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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of downright
Lisa Stardust, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Below, a few of my favorite books about bad mothering, from the benignly neglectful to the downright evil.
—Sarah Harman, People.com, 11 May 2025
Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 5 June 2025
By mid-afternoon the weather turned downright unwholesome.
—Arthur Grahame, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for downright
Adjective
However, underneath the bravado, Quinn is enigmatic and is capable of downright scheming to fulfill her visions.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Below, a few of my favorite books about bad mothering, from the benignly neglectful to the downright evil.
—Sarah Harman, People.com, 11 May 2025
Adverb
Leslie Bibb and Jennifer Aniston have something downright iconic in common.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 5 June 2025
By mid-afternoon the weather turned downright unwholesome.
—Arthur Grahame, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for downright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downright
Adjective
-
The outbreak of World War I in the summer of 1914, just a few months after her family’s arrival in Russia, had already brought Paley’s peaceful childhood to an abrupt end.—
Meilan Solly,
Smithsonian Magazine,
13 June 2025
-
The news Thursday about the abrupt scrubbing of the meet, scheduled for the last weekend in June at Drake Stadium, combines with USA Track and Field’s recent decision to take an event set at the same stadium for earlier in June — the L.A. Grand Prix — off the calendar.—
Eddie Pells,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
But that meeting’s collapse—and, more broadly, the utter failure of sanctions to prevent North Korea from developing its nuclear potential—may prompt him to support Seoul’s push.—
John Delury,
Foreign Affairs,
3 June 2025
-
The Civil War, which is jeopardizing his presidency, has turned him into an utter killjoy.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2025
Adverb
-
There's not enough — there will never be and should not be enough — employees for a one-on-one situation, although my father was absolutely convinced that someone at the IRS every year looked at his return.—
Tax Notes Staff,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Having said that, returning from a serious ankle injury is absolutely something to be concerned about.—
Brad Biggs,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2025
Adjective
-
Isaac Leal, 17, died on Monday, June 2, from a blunt force injury to the head, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2025
-
His autopsy revealed his head had blunt force trauma.—
Julia Marnin,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
The White Lotus star accessorized with sheer lace gloves and bright pink sunglasses.—
Catherine Santino,
People.com,
3 June 2025
-
Johnson paired the look with sheer black tights, giving the ensemble a unified tonal element overall.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
3 June 2025
Adverb
-
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
-
This time, the idea of a comeback stopped Canada cold.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 June 2025
-
That memory is a very short but powerful memory to me.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2025
Adjective
-
Jewel Loyd — Las Vegas Aces Jewell lives up to her name, stepping through the tunnel looking like an absolute gem in this Jacquemus Canadian tuxedo—a sleek, washed, and polished denim suit.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
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The United States isn’t a perfect host country, as evidenced during the 2024 Copa America there, but the World Cup will be an absolute success.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
11 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downright. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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