down 1 of 6

1
as in downward
toward or in a lower position the stairs went down to the basement

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Relevance

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2
as in away
from this or that place came down from New York for the weekend

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down

2 of 6

adjective

1
2
as in lowered
directed down a down escalator

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3
as in depressed
feeling unhappiness feeling a bit down

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4
5
6

down

3 of 6

noun (1)

as in fur
a soft airy substance or covering a comforter filled with goose down

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down

4 of 6

noun (2)

1
as in accident
something (as a situation or event) that is depressing lately it's been one down after another in my life

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2
3
4
as in drop
the act or process of going to a lower level or altitude suffered with a psychological disorder in which she alternated between emotional ups and downs

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5

down

5 of 6

noun (3)

down

6 of 6

verb

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 down
Adverb
For cargo headed to Los Angeles and Long Beach out of Shanghai, spot rates are down nearly 55 percent from June 12, while the freight headed to New York saw a price plunge of 42 percent. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 July 2025 The website for Worship Life Center Church was down as of July 28, as was the Facebook page. Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 28 July 2025
Adjective
For example, in strong market years, withdraw slightly more to build a cash buffer; in down years, tap that buffer to avoid selling low. Mike Mess, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 Tesla broke its down streak, jumping about 5% in the session. Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 3 July 2025
Noun
The new episodes will be full of ups and downs for the cast's relationships, following everything from Pedranti and Ryan Boyajian’s wedding planning to Kirschenheiter and long-term boyfriend Travis Mullen living under one roof again. Emily Weaver, People.com, 17 July 2025 For long-time followers of fusion energy, Tokamak Hall is the high-water mark after decades of ups and downs. Justin Worland, Time, 17 July 2025
Verb
Twenty-five drones were downed or otherwise suppressed, the air force said, with 32 drones impacting in 10 locations and debris falling in six locations. David Brennan, ABC News, 20 July 2025 Vehicles became stranded in the high water, trees and utility lines were also downed in the storms and thousands lost power. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for down
Adverb
  • Labor costs, the largest operating expense for most small businesses, have remained high but have been trending downward since 2022.
    William Dunkelberg, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • Mid-performance, the prop jerks downward after slipping from its wire, causing a drop that nearly unseats her.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 July 2025
Adverb
  • With the infield in to take away the bunt, the 24-year-old showed some veteran patience, fouled off two 99-plus-mph pitches, then laced a hard single up the middle to score the tying run.
    Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 July 2025
  • McDaniel can’t suddenly become Andy Reid, who takes his Kansas City Chiefs team away for training camp and has purposely tough practices.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Natural peanut butter: Store in a cool, dry spot for up three weeks, or for up to two months in the refrigerator.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • The relative strength indicator (RSI, below the price chart) is not confirming the up move.
    John Navin, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Too little could leave you feeling down and even depressed.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Francis was depressed and couldn’t get out of bed for months, and in July 1976, a jury awarded her $2.6 million, finding the Howard Johnson chain responsible for her unsafe room.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Not every mosquito carries West Nile virus, and not everyone who contracts the virus will get sick.
    Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 28 July 2025
  • Cena took the opportunity to chug water to avoid getting sick.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • One of the best examples is her novel Made for Love, perhaps better known as an HBO show starring the excellent Cristin Milioti.
    The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
  • Aloe vera is low-maintenance, making the houseplant an excellent option for beginner houseplant owners, who don’t have much time for excessive plant care.
    Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Most recently, the team dropped a 4-0 result to York United following a pair of draws.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • His top individual donor was Ron Weiser, who founded real estate company McKinley and formerly chaired the Michigan Republican Party, dropped $8,325, the individual maximum.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Travelers should also observe strict hygiene protocols, including frequent handwashing and avoiding individuals with symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or fever.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
  • Most infections occur when people swallow contaminated water or get it in an open wound.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/down. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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