1
as in abrupt
being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner
rural folks are often known for their downright speech, as they are generally not ones to beat around the bush
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions
that's a downright lie, and you know it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in absolutely
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of downright
Cate Marvin, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
On the opposite end, a summertime dew point in the 40s or 50s can feel downright desert-like.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025
Not every traveler wants to feel terrified on vacation, so this round-up of eight spooky places around the globe ranges from the perfectly harmless to the downright creepy.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downright
Adjective
Worse than a chore, a downright war.
—Cate Marvin, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
On the opposite end, a summertime dew point in the 40s or 50s can feel downright desert-like.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
Adverb
For dessert, freshly made Hong Kong-style egg puff waffles are a highlight, but don’t miss out on the downright adorable panda bear and pig sweet buns filled with sweet custard.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025
Not every traveler wants to feel terrified on vacation, so this round-up of eight spooky places around the globe ranges from the perfectly harmless to the downright creepy.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downright
Adjective
-
While some of these chains have faced ongoing issues, others are experiencing abrupt downturns after enjoying recent periods of strength — with no turnaround in sight.—
Rob Wile,
NBC news,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Nearly 7 million people on Medicare use telehealth services every year to see their doctors, but the federal shutdown put an abrupt halt on payments covering those services.—
Yuki Noguchi,
NPR,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Critics argue the ballroom's sheer scale—twice the size of the main residence—will fundamentally alter the White House's historic proportions and architectural balance.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The genocidal evil of the Nazis was, and is, often accorded a type of 'genius' - an idea that often persists in public discourse as a way to account for the sheer malice in the planning and execution of the Holocaust as something exceptional.—
NPR,
NPR,
11 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
That is absolutely not my intention.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
These stories are important and should absolutely be shared, and hearing people speak openly about these difficult topics can help others feel less alone.—
Lindsay Lowe,
Parents,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The right’s defense is equally blunt.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Hosts often want to hint that the evening is wrapping up without being blunt.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Much will soon be made of the movie’s epic, final-act twist, but despite such swerves, the film maintains its utter ambiguity to the end, giving heart to the lostness that so many across ideological spectrums now feel.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
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His extraordinary journey from utter isolation to human connection is revealed in the Oscar-contending documentary Ghost Boy, directed by Rodney Ascher (Room 237, A Glitch in the Matrix), winner of the Audience Award at SXSW in the Visions category.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
Adverb
-
Call it cold hearted or cost effective, but for some Gen Z singles, a free dinner date beats another night of ramen or freezer-aisle meals.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
17 Oct. 2025
-
The trade itself, the act of ice harvesting, vanished, but the work of keeping things cold multiplied a hundredfold.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Pierre was short, with a white beard and flamboyant wild hair.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
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These bacteria ferment or break down prebiotics, releasing compounds called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
And many of us, sadly, have been in a state of absolute despair while grieving someone, which is its own type of temporary insanity.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Bad news for Harbour—each track is an absolute earworm.—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downright. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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