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 utter
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
Gerrit Ritt, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Stag Dance is good in some ways and downright spectacular in others.
—Book Marks
june 12, Literary Hub, 12 June 2025
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 May 2025
What kept the film from teetering out of silliness into offensiveness was, unexpectedly, Ben Affleck’s performance as Christian Wolff, an autistic bookkeeper with a calculator for a brain and a downright mathematical proficiency with his fists and a rifle.
—A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downright
Adjective
Outside of getting to play a grand slam event in his backyard, Thomas has been downright terrible in the sport's four biggest tournaments.
—Gerrit Ritt, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Stag Dance is good in some ways and downright spectacular in others.
—Book Marks
june 12, Literary Hub, 12 June 2025
Adverb
To give any movie the quality of a compelling doodle is hard enough, but to pull it off in animation, or in a film that incorporates animation (and thus requires tons of preparation and deliberation), is downright superhuman.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 May 2025
What kept the film from teetering out of silliness into offensiveness was, unexpectedly, Ben Affleck’s performance as Christian Wolff, an autistic bookkeeper with a calculator for a brain and a downright mathematical proficiency with his fists and a rifle.
—A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downright
Adjective
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These findings suggest a shift toward stronger, more abrupt convective storms.—
Bethany Wales,
Sacbee.com,
25 June 2025
-
Sargent was named the interim CEO in March following the abrupt resignation of Kroger’s former leader, Rodney McMullen, after an investigation into his personal conduct.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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There won’t be adequate words to describe how much changed in such a short period of time, thanks to Trump’s utter debasement of the office, and the GOP’s decision to follow him down one of the ugliest paths imaginable, all the while abandoning principles, morals, and basic common decency.—
S.E. Cupp,
New York Daily News,
19 June 2025
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Where to watch:Apple TV, Amazon, Fandango at Home. 1. 'Jaws' (1975) The seafaring masterpiece sinks every other shark movie in its utter perfection.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
16 June 2025
Adverb
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Now, Thomas is absolutely right in showing courage.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 June 2025
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Yes, Jon, look, there is no question this morning this is absolutely the largest and potentially most dangerous risk and gamble of Trump's presidency.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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Two of the dogs died of heat stroke, one of blunt force trauma, Orange County Deputy District Attorney Danica Drotman told Judge Kimberly Menninger during Monday’s hearing, drawing gasps from the owners in the courtroom gallery.—
Sean Emery,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 June 2025
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An autopsy later revealed that O’Keefe had died from blunt force trauma and hypothermia.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Felipe Cardenas: Due to sheer numbers and commitment, Boca’s ultras and travelling band of die-hard fans lit up the tournament.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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The pressure is on him and his team to replicate their earlier success, a tall order considering what a factor the sheer surprise of the phenomenon, impossible to replicate now, played back in 2021.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
27 June 2025
Adverb
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When the cop refuses the bribe, Reacher saves the man’s life … by love-tapping him out cold before Angel can shoot him.—
Chris Klimek,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2025
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This time, the idea of a comeback stopped Canada cold.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The summer solstice will occur Friday at 10:42 p.m. ET and will be both the longest day and shortest night of 2025 in the Northern Hemisphere, according to the National Weather Service.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
21 June 2025
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The short version is that methane is embedded in coal deposits, and as miners dig to expose coal seams, the gas escapes, and continues to do so long after a coal mine reaches the end of its operating life.—
Umair Irfan,
Wired News,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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Remaining calm under pressure is an absolute must here.—
Bill Rokos,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
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To hit the absolute reduction targets, luxury could maintain a stable volume or slightly decrease by one percent, premium could increase their volumes by 3 percent, provided circular models are scaled, and mass market brands would need to decrease their volume by 12 percent.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downright. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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