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
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Recent Examples of downright
Greg Borowski, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Once the flames come roaring into town, however, Kevin will be the only one in a position to drive a busload of elementary-schoolers, along with their teacher, Mary Ludwig (America Ferrera), through the downright biblical flames and out to safety.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2025
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026
The Penguins were sluggish in the first period and downright shaky in the third, but their goaltender never wilted.
—Josh Yohe, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downright
Adjective
Funding one would be a challenge, two a downright stretch.
—Greg Borowski, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Once the flames come roaring into town, however, Kevin will be the only one in a position to drive a busload of elementary-schoolers, along with their teacher, Mary Ludwig (America Ferrera), through the downright biblical flames and out to safety.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2025
Adverb
The bars and restaurants emanate cool, with the lower level bar featuring concoctions that are downright fun.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2026
The Penguins were sluggish in the first period and downright shaky in the third, but their goaltender never wilted.
—Josh Yohe, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downright
Adjective
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Falvey was in remarkably good spirits given the circumstances of his abrupt departure.—
Aaron Gleeman,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
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Gregor Gregersen, founder of precious-metals dealer Silver Bullion, said the abrupt nature of the drop suggested something a bit other than orderly profit-taking.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Every screening kicked off with a video tribute to him, and each replay drove home the sheer heroic improbability of what Redford had accomplished.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
31 Jan. 2026
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The sheer bulk of the suit might confuse the human eye from a distance, but in large open spaces, like snowfields, anything that looks a little odd will stand out.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
And for most Edmonton fans, that would be absolutely fine.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
1 Feb. 2026
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On the face of it, for a comfortable middle-class couple in Lithuania, getting divorced has absolutely nothing to do with the war in Ukraine.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The buildup of naval assets off and around the coast of Iran is blunt and plodding.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
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Continue reading … IN OTHER NEWS RING OR BUST – Patriots quarterback reveals coach's blunt Super Bowl message to team.—
,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The barrage of images broadcast out of Minneapolis and surrounding regions depict violent and brutal encounters and capture moments of utter fear, pain and confusion.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
24 Jan. 2026
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Overall, though, Payton showed an utter unwillingness to trust his backfield against one of the league’s worst rushing defenses in the Bills.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
19 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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On the other end of the temperature spectrum, a whole market of cold plunge tubs has emerged as cold-plunging becomes mainstream.—
Laura Fenton,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
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Lots of other cold-causing respiratory illnesses are going around, according to Peñaherrera.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
17 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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In the mix, too, are the many shorter and more personal expressions around the event.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Instead, it’s funneled into systems that are long on slogans and short on accountability.—
Jennifer Nassour,
Boston Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The weight of Kelly’s control over Landfair’s life was absolute.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
31 Jan. 2026
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There have been countless examples of bizarre true crimes dramatized for television, but this is a particularly strong entry, anchored by a trio of great performances (Christina Hendricks makes an absolute meal out of her supporting role).—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downright. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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