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downcast

adjective
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down·​cast | \ ˈdau̇n-ˌkast How to pronounce downcast (audio) \

Definition of downcast

1 : low in spirit : dejected
2 : directed downward with downcast eyes
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Synonyms for downcast

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Examples of downcast in a Sentence

There were a lot of downcast faces in the crowd. her downcast gaze made us realize that she was shy
Recent Examples on the Web Ari sits alone on a colorful rug under the chalkboard near the front of the room, his large light brown eyes downcast. — Olivia Krauth, The Courier-Journal, "Teacher's pet: Ari the therapy dog is loving life at Louisville's Slaughter Elementary," 16 Dec. 2019 When Castro suspended his campaign, Junior was as downcast as the candidate’s supporters back home. — Elaine Ayala, ExpressNews.com, "Julián Castro made San Antonio proud," 4 Jan. 2020 Rachel, eyes downcast, lips pouted, sheepishly returned the spoon and goblet. — Washington Post, "Gene Weingarten: When the steaks are high, you act on your gut," 5 Dec. 2019 Ambedkar, who dreamed that a democratic constitution would gradually make society more tolerant, would be downcast today. — The Economist, "Unite and rule India’s constitution helped sustain the world’s biggest democracy," 12 Dec. 2019 The Lions defense, which was rebuilt during the offseason, is struggling again, so if the downcast Bears offense is ever going to find its way this season, this would figure to be the game. — Dan Wiederer, chicagotribune.com, "Can the Bears beat the Lions on Sunday at Soldier Field? Our Week 10 predictions.," 6 Nov. 2019 The first boy shuffled across the tile floor with his arms crossed and eyes downcast. — NBC News, "Syracuse anti-violence advocate, Clifford Ryans, turns tragedy into action," 29 Oct. 2019 The leaders are well under par — by tourney’s end, a course-record round of 62 will have been shot — and in the clubhouse Alex is downcast about her six-over-par 76. — Rand Richards Cooper, courant.com, "In Our Midst: Ridgefield teen Alexsandra Lapple is a phenom of the fairways," 19 Sep. 2019 At a glance, the saint’s eyes seem to be sightless or downcast. — New York Times, "What Leonardo da Vinci Couldn’t Finish," 11 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'downcast.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of downcast

1521, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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Time Traveler for downcast

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The first known use of downcast was in 1521

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Statistics for downcast

Last Updated

13 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Downcast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downcast. Accessed 24 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for downcast

downcast

adjective
How to pronounce downcast (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of downcast

: not happy, confident, or hopeful
of eyes : looking downward

See the full definition for downcast in the English Language Learners Dictionary

downcast

adjective
down·​cast | \ ˈdau̇n-ˌkast How to pronounce downcast (audio) \

Kids Definition of downcast

1 : sad sense 1 a downcast face
2 : directed down downcast eyes

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More from Merriam-Webster on downcast

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for downcast

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with downcast

Spanish Central: Translation of downcast

Nglish: Translation of downcast for Spanish Speakers

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