down·right
ˈdau̇n-ˌrīt 
1
archaic
: straight down
2
: absolutely sense 1a
downright handsome
downright mean
3
obsolete
: forthright
Synonyms of downright
Examples of downright in a Sentence
Adverb
The movie was downright stupid.
It's very difficult, if not downright impossible.
Adjective
rural folks are often known for their downright speech, as they are generally not ones to beat around the bush
that's a downright lie, and you know it
Recent Examples on the Web
Rosemary Counter, Vanity Fair, 8 June 2026
Beginning in late spring until early fall, high temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making daytime hiking or camping conditions uncomfortable and sometimes, downright dangerous.
—Gabi De La Rosa, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 9 June 2026
One of Bond’s defining traits has long been his willingness (and downright desire) to break the rules.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for downright
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Adverb
But that’s downright quaint compared to the opulent shindigs and fabled debauchery of the home’s previous owner.
—Rosemary Counter, Vanity Fair, 8 June 2026
Beginning in late spring until early fall, high temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making daytime hiking or camping conditions uncomfortable and sometimes, downright dangerous.
—Gabi De La Rosa, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
Adjective
Knicks fans, known for their rowdiness and downright devotion to the team, took to watch parties, bars and gatherings to see the game.
—Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 9 June 2026
One of Bond’s defining traits has long been his willingness (and downright desire) to break the rules.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for downright
Cite this Entry
“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downright. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
downright
1 of 2 adverb
down·right
-ˌrīt
: in a complete and absolute manner
that was downright stupid
downright
2 of 2 adjective1
: absolute sense 3, utter
a downright lie
downrightly
adverb
downrightness
noun
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