downright 1 of 2

Definition of downrightnext
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downright

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adverb

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 downright
Adjective
And yet, generations of Americans have come here not despite its eccentricities—and downright aversion to good taste—but because of them, which serves as a reminder that originality, even at its most excessive, never really goes out of style. Air Mail, 4 July 2026 Low water pressure can turn everyday tasks into downright frustrating chores. Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 26 June 2026
Adverb
An exhausting, head-spinning and often downright silly offseason is officially over after college football really kicked off on Thursday (after the always bizarre Week 0 last weekend). Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 Staffers for major political figures have puzzled over the content, and are growing concerned about the rise of a new wave of videos with errors, exaggerations, misleading comments, and a tone that can be downright weird. Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downright
Adjective
  • Newcastle signed 20-year-old defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba from Monaco of France’s Ligue 1, while Howe’s abrupt departure after almost five years as head coach was another complicating factor in their pursuit of Bergvall.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The news was abrupt and surprised much of the media industry, as the company included little details about the situation in its statement.
    Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Beyond its sheer size and resort-level amenities, the estate’s value lies in the kind of construction and materials that are difficult to replicate at today’s costs.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The baby pink style was made of a sheer, breezy pink fabric and featured crystallized spaghetti straps that gave way to frindgy crystalized trim that decorated the hem.
    Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • The 28-year-old is another one who looks absolutely certain to start, playing 90 minutes in every one of the three league games so far.
    Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Other highlights include Billie’s (Lucy Freyer) fixation with feeling young, Julian Manjerico’s return as the absolutely unhinged Zack-Carlos and a brilliant penultimate episode about casual use of the C-word (hey, the British do it).
    Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Snyder litters his film with blunt butterfly symbolism to the point where someone could make a drinking game out of their recurring appearances that would end in alcohol poisoning.
    Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Journe explains the decision in his characteristically blunt style.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • This Ninth — featuring the Los Angeles Master Chorale and four superb vocal soloists (Saioa Hernández, Tamara Mumford, David Portillo and Ryan Speedo Green) — became Beethoven, alive in the moment, an instrument of utter joy.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Sweet, aromatic, and bubblegum pink, this playful cocktail is the utter definition of fun.
    Bradleigh Mobley, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • Dreamed up by Jelk, this scent incorporates vanilla planifolia that’s cold-soaked in alcohol for 21 days.
    Vogue, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Its double-wall insulation can keep your drink cold overnight and, ultimately, for as long as 24 hours.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Big Ten enters this week largely unscathed after Week 1, with 15 of its teams winning in regulation, another needing assistance from clock operators and two falling considerably short.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Late Show won for writing, short form comedy, picture editing, technical direction and camerawork, and lighting design — all a fond farewell to the show.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • But Aly [Turchioe, director of buying] and Trevor [Harvey, buyer] have been an absolute pleasure to work with over the years.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Other experts say Kim Jong Un, 42, is still too young to designate his heir, a move that could diminish his absolute power.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downright. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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