leeward 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of leewardnext
as in downwind
being in the direction that the wind is blowing we moved to the leeward side of the ship so that we wouldn't have the wind in our faces

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

leeward

2 of 2

noun

as in windward

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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 leeward
Adjective
While most people think of Hawaii as a tropical place, the leeward side of the island is drier, and Hawaii has a year-round fire season, Walker explained. — Brisa Colon and Aya Elamroussi, CNN, 7 Aug. 2021 Further north, on the off-the-grid Cayo Frances, learn to fish from legendary fly fisherwoman Lori-Ann Murphy, and enjoy the placid, shallow waters of the leeward side of the island. — Ali Wunderman, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2020
Noun
The Brazilians went for a tight gap at one of the leeward marks, trying to get ahead of Canada. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 22 June 2026 My family in Honolulu and on the leeward side of the island was not evacuated, but one of my friends in Honolulu had to move out of her apartment due to flooding. — Chantell Murphy, Outside, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leeward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leeward
  1. downwind
  2. windward
  3. side
  4. flank
Adjective
  • Scientists have also found that wildfire smoke can alter lightning patterns in downwind thunderstorms.
    — Yunyao Li, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
  • This has the district encouraging people who live in the immediate area and in the downwind areas to remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and use air filtration.
    — Brandon Downs, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Definition of downwind
Noun
  • Rainfall predictions for this weekend for the southeast and windward sides of the Big Island were 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 centimeters), with as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters) in isolated areas, Oswant said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • That storm dumped torrential rain — more than 3 feet in spots on the windward side of the island — that triggered damaging landslides and flash flooding that cut off small communities, destroyed homes and damaged critical infrastructure.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of windward
Noun
  • Google cofounder Sergey Brin, who moved to the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe and also bought a Miami home, and venture capitalist Peter Thiel also left California for Miami ahead of the Prop 40 cutoff.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The initial configuration already included the trailer side skirts and wheel covers.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of side
Noun
  • Doctors give big The next two years could be a crucial time for doctors as Congress considers the first major overhaul of how Medicare pays physicians, and the left flank of the Democratic party rallies around Medicare for all.
    — John Wilkerson, STAT, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Ahead, black dots move in formation like ants as Everest’s imposing upper flanks loom above them.
    — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of flank

Browse Nearby Words

lees
leeward
leewards
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Cite this Entry

“Leeward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leeward. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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