downright

1 of 2

adverb

down·​right ˈdau̇n-ˌrīt How to pronounce downright (audio)
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 tongueAngus Wilson
downrightly adverb
downrightness noun

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
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.
Adverb
Oilers’ power play comes up short The power play has been the Oilers’ bread and butter for so long, but it’s been inconsistent in the playoffs and downright nonexistent on the road. Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 15 May 2025 Compared to Disney, which filled a convention hall at the Javits Center, and NBCUniversal, which took over Radio City Music Hall, Netflix’s presentation felt downright cozy. Joe Otterson, Variety, 14 May 2025
Adjective
Below, a few of my favorite books about bad mothering, from the benignly neglectful to the downright evil. Sarah Harman, People.com, 11 May 2025 Since the injury to Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas, there have been a myriad of lineup shuffles, potential signings, and downright insanity that has sprouted up across Red Sox nation. Joey Copponi, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for downright

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of downright was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downright. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

downright

1 of 2 adverb
down·​right -ˌrīt How to pronounce downright (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on downright

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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