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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

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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
  • The selective return of services to the Suez Canal is restoring effective capacity on Asia-Europe routes, which could put downward pressure on freight rates, according to Drewry.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • In 2025, the US recorded an increase in planet-heating pollution, reversing a previous downward trend, driven in part by power plants burning more coal.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of downward
Adjective
  • Quietly depressed, a wife to Reuben (Tracy Letts, Coon’s real-life partner) and mother to Ella (Bella Ramsey) and Jo (Odessa Young), Rita holds a monotonous desk job at a bank by day, and tends to her family by night as part of her humdrum routine.
    — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Sprague conceded Clancy had mental health issues and was depressed.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 4 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
  • However — here is the gold dust — the perfect blend is gay AND sad.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Top Plays from Broncos @ Chiefs Perhaps the only solace for the Broncos after a season of sky-high expectations opened with a flop is those sorts of sad adjectives belonged to everyone.
    — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of sad
Adjective
  • But when an oblong ball hits the turf, there’s often an equal chance the other team will recover, so Harbaugh was predictably unhappy with his team’s four fumbles against Dallas.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • There's also the daunting task of keeping young conservatives engaged at a time when many of them are unhappy with party leaders.
    — Elena Moore, NPR, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of unhappy
Adjective
  • Wright State University President Sue Edwards said the school community was heartbroken.
    — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Micah’s life was taken far too soon, leaving his family, friends, teammates, and community heartbroken.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of heartbroken
Adjective
  • But this sleekly miserable noir about the aftermath of a feckless man’s confrontation with his wife’s younger lover transports the stuff of archetype into Putin’s Russia.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The higher the price of gas goes, the more miserable Republicans become, and the more bettors see the Dems winning.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of miserable
Adjective
  • There is romance and melancholy, playfulness and despair, all happening at once.
    — PhotoVogue, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026
  • That O’Flynn’s newfound fame has coincided with her starring role in this gentle, melancholy wonder of a movie is a fitting, if unplanned, convergence.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 11 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 19 Sep. 2026.

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