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

The pressure is on companies broadly to deliver strong growth in profits after their stock prices ran toward records despite the downward push from high bond yields. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Consequently, international gold prices experienced downward pressure, briefly touching their lowest level since August 5th during intraday trading. — CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Adverb

If a management layer primarily exists to collect information, summarize it, translate it, carry it upward, and distribute it downward, then AI makes that role easier to question. — Keith Ferrazzi, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026 The Cook County medical examiner’s report found that Villegas González was shot in the left side of his neck by a bullet that traveled downward and lodged in his lower-right chest. — Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 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

Adverb

Shares of Netflix are down 20% year-to-date on fears the streamer’s days of double-digit gains are coming to an end.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
According to CrowdStrike’s 2026 Global Threat Report, the average breakout time from initial access to lateral movement is 29 minutes, down 65% from 2024.

— Asaf Wiener, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of down

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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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of downward

adjective

adverb

Example Sentences

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