DOWNWARD Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

downward 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of downward

as in bowed

directed down fishermen keep watch for the downward plunge of seabirds diving for food

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

downward

2 of 2

adverb

ˈdau̇n-wərd

variants or downwards

as in down

toward or in a lower position at this point the river flows gently downward to the sea

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of downward

Adjective

Rocky Horror bucked an overall downward trend during the summer dog days, with grosses up $120,328 to $949,446 for the final week or original cast members Luke Evans, Stephanie Hsu and Andrew Durand. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 Any lawsuit would likely rumble on for many years, during which the Colorado River looks set to continue its downward trajectory. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Adverb

Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy is revising downward its GDP growth forecast in 2026 due to the impact of Russian attacks, which have restricted exports, especially grain through Black Sea ports. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Filling empty beds The national incarceration rate – which includes both jails, for short-term detention, and prisons, for sentences of more than a year – has more or less crept downward since 2010. — Ella Siegrist, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for downward

Adjective

There are predetermined dates for lowered flags each year, and the governor’s office announces any additional dates necessary.

— Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026
This isn’t the first study to link acupuncture with lowered symptoms of depression.

— Korin Miller, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of lowered

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downturns

downward

downwind

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“Downward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downward. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of downward

adjective

adverb

Example Sentences

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