downright

1 of 2

adverb

down·​right ˈdau̇n-ˌrīt 

1

archaic : straight down

2

: absolutely sense 1a

downright handsome

downright mean

3

obsolete : forthright

downright

2 of 2

adjective

1

archaic : directed vertically downward

2

: outright, thorough

a downright lie

3

: plain, blunt

… stories he had heard of her downright tongue …

—Angus Wilson

downrightly adverb

downrightness noun

Synonyms of downright

Adjective

• abrupt
• blunt
• short
• gruff
• curt
• rude
• brusque
• outspoken
• crass
• crusty

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

Adverb

The Three Lions showed some defensive frailty in the first half against Croatia last time out, but the attack was downright terrifying in England’s 4-2 win. — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 23 June 2026

Wasn’t Messi just standing over there a few seconds earlier, looking downright lethargic? — Filip Bondy, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026

Adjective

The superstar singer walked into Madison Square Garden Wednesday night for the Knicks-Spurs game wearing a shirt that expressed colorful allegiance to the New York team and downright affection for singer Stevie Nicks, one of her musical role models. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for downright

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

downright

1 of 2 adverb

down·​right -ˌrīt 

: in a complete and absolute manner

that was downright stupid

downright

2 of 2 adjective

1

: absolute sense 3, utter

a downright lie

2

: outspoken, blunt

downright country people

downrightly adverb

downrightness noun