1,400 new words in our dictionary! — Parasocial, glow-up, promposal & more
1,400 new words in our dictionary! — More

downcast

adjective

ˈdau̇n-ˌkast How to pronounce downcast (audio)
Definition of downcastnext
1
as in bowed
directed down her downcast gaze made us realize that she was shy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in depressed
feeling unhappiness I'm always a little downcast on rainy days

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 downcast With his offhanded singsong delivery, spare instrumentation and arsenal of songs that manage to be simultaneously downcast and extravagant, Drake has wielded an outsized influence on the sound of mainstream hip-hop and even R&B the past decade. — Brian McCollum, USA TODAY, 9 July 2023 There also is an approach that has proven uplifting during this somewhat downcast time for the Heat. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Nov. 2022 In one video, irate workers surrounded a silent, downcast manager in a conference room to voice grievances and question their COVID test results. — BostonGlobe.com, 23 Nov. 2022 In one video, irate workers surrounded a silent, downcast manager in a conference room to voice grievances and question their Covid test results. — Fortune, 23 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for downcast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downcast
  1. downward
  2. depressed
  3. lowered
  4. sad
  5. unhappy
  6. heartbroken
  7. miserable
  8. melancholy
Adjective
  • If Jackson’s downward play continues, the Dolphins might be forced to explore options elsewhere.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Lee and Chhatwal also noted the substitution of alcohol for other substances, like cannabis, could be the reason for the downward trend of drinking for a younger generation.
    — Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of downward
Adjective
  • Instead, medical guidelines typically recommend testosterone for men who report symptoms — including low libido and depressed mood — and have two blood tests confirming low levels of the hormone.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Yet her awakening is dampened by her depressed father and cruel stepmother Abby (Rebecca Hall).
    — William Earl, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of depressed
Adjective
  • There are predetermined dates for lowered flags each year, and the governor’s office announces any additional dates necessary.
    — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • This isn’t the first study to link acupuncture with lowered symptoms of depression.
    — Korin Miller, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of lowered
Adjective
  • In another bit of sad synchronicity, both the Raiders and Cardinals won just three games and fired their coaches last season.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Murphy referred to Lucas’ death as one of the saddest days of his life.
    — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of sad
Adjective
  • Advocates unhappy with California AG Media advocacy group Free Press criticized California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
    — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Such promotions on social media and elsewhere might trigger some unhappy conversations between taxpayers and legitimate tax professionals.
    — Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of unhappy
Adjective
  • Daria’s heartbroken family declined to comment on her death Saturday.
    — Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Drawn to a lakeside haven by a mysterious pregnant woman, a heartbroken drifter finds refuge with a group of eccentric misfits.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of heartbroken
Adjective
  • Late in the Bears’ miserable offensive showing against the Vikings at a rainy Soldier Field, Williams was attempting to score the game’s first touchdown in the fourth quarter.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
  • However, the Royals can make life miserable for their division rivals.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of miserable
Adjective
  • The four romances are bittersweet, about love that is marked by melancholy, ends too soon, or never got a chance to begin.
    — James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Here, though, the melancholy sinks in, especially when O’Flynn’s parents (Marion Bailey and Paul Jesson) are concerned.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of melancholy

Browse Nearby Words

downbeats
downcast
downdraft
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Downcast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downcast. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of tactile

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 25
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of the words cracker fly and sale arranged in a triangle with the word fire in the middle
Triple Play Quiz Find the word that pairs with each of the three g...
See All