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
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 16 Mar. 2025
So consumers’ tolerance may be tested by inevitable mistakes, misunderstandings and downright hallucinations.
—Mike Feibus, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
Through no fault of his own, Johnson often finds himself in situations that are bizarre, terrifying or downright silly, whether that’s seeing a completely naked man come running out of the woods or having a neighbor who believed a drug addict was living in the walls of their building.
—Nikita Richardson, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downright
Adjective
To have a trans man in this role is both a meaningful reflection on what elements (and struggles) of manhood are learned and adopted, as well as a downright gut-busting parody of the type of bro-y teenager that usually appears in Hollywood’s teenage comedies.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 16 Mar. 2025
So consumers’ tolerance may be tested by inevitable mistakes, misunderstandings and downright hallucinations.
—Mike Feibus, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
Adverb
Hogan then trounces Yokozuna in a way that makes the monstrous heel look downright foolish.
—Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
Through no fault of his own, Johnson often finds himself in situations that are bizarre, terrifying or downright silly, whether that’s seeing a completely naked man come running out of the woods or having a neighbor who believed a drug addict was living in the walls of their building.
—Nikita Richardson, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downright
Adjective
-
While part of that abrupt leap stemmed from the fallout of the pandemic, including the minor-league season being canceled, that’s not what would happen today.—
Vahe Gregorian,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2025
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The latest and most abrupt blow came when the U.S., by far the largest funder, canceled hundreds of millions in grants.—
Gabriel Spitzer,
NPR,
6 May 2025
Adjective
-
With utter naturalism, Kulumbegashvili and her star dramatize a cruel, sexist reality that’s as unescapable as that inexplicable creature that repeatedly invades the story, its faceless presence a chilling, surreal metaphor for a society preying on Nina and her patients.—
Tim Grierson,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
-
Both looked to the heavens — well, the Ball Arena rafters — in utter disbelief.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
Adverb
-
So fun to see Dina absolutely swooning over her dreamy guitarist (soon-to-be) girlfriend.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
4 May 2025
-
Maintaining some air of in-person wonder is absolutely vital to getting to know another person for real.—
Alex Abad-Santos,
Vox,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
All four were pronounced deceased at the scene as a result of blunt force injuries sustained in the crash, Allmon said.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
-
One of the men, Terry Carter, would die from multiple blunt force injuries within the hour.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Plus, that sheer wash of pigment makes for a great first step in your makeup routine.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Teams from outside England also seem to struggle with Arsenal’s sheer athleticism — certainly Real Madrid struggled to keep pace with their physical output in the quarter-final.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 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
-
In short, fate’s distribution of long straws is wildly capricious.—
Jonathan Limehouse,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
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This photo provided by Guinness World Records shows Pearl, the world's shortest living dog, with Reginald, the world's tallest living dog, both certified by Guinness World Records, during a playdate in Idaho Falls, Idaho, April 5, 2025.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
4 May 2025
Adjective
-
Loyalty and Centralized Power Imperial China placed immense value on absolute loyalty to the emperor.—
Frank Lavin,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
Between these six players, Toronto and Florida have some of the absolute best players in the world going head-to-head.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downright. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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