HEADWINDS Synonyms: 29 Similar and Opposite Words

headwinds

noun

plural of headwind

as in winds

an air movement that is blowing toward something (such as a ship or an airplane) as it moves forward Stiff headwinds caused the flight to take longer than expected.

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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 headwinds Despite currency headwinds, concert, merchandise and licensing revenues are expected to reach record levels. — Jenny Lee,lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 Observers speculated that the Q3 results are likely to be extremely disappointing for the streamer, which is already facing some tough headwinds. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 Put forces and factors in the context of either headwinds (challenges or differences) or tailwinds (helping). — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The trucking and transportation company absorbed more than $50 million in sequential cost headwinds, led by driver and medical costs. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 Beyond its debt, the amusement park is facing headwinds from the high cost of living. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 Tony has played an important role over the course of his tenure, stepping up during challenging periods and leading his team through both internal changes and industry headwinds. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026 Despite these headwinds, the labor market has proven sturdy so far this year. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for headwinds

winds

Noun

Firefighters battled intense winds, with gusts reaching up to 62 mph, as flames spread beyond the installation.

— Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
The women face these challenges amid shifting winds of optimism and despair.

— Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of winds

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headwind

headwinds

heady

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“Headwinds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headwinds. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of headwinds

noun

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