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
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
The ones who weren’t downright frauds were only cracked and wretched old women with delusions.
—Charles Portis, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 9 May 2025
There’s no doubt about it – animal reproduction can get downright bizarre.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for downright
Adjective
Its signature, though, is its Ultimate Medical Health package, and its downright forensic.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
The ones who weren’t downright frauds were only cracked and wretched old women with delusions.
—Charles Portis, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
Adverb
Austin, who collects Bronze Age artifacts and invites Craig on a spontaneous nighttime expedition into the town’s aqueducts and out into the roof of City Hall for a smoke, is downright swashbuckling in Craig’s eyes — a local celeb right there on his suburban street.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 9 May 2025
There’s no doubt about it – animal reproduction can get downright bizarre.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 8 May 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
-
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
-
Trump, for his part, has shown no interest in Palestinian civilian life for its own sake (and has demonstrated utter disdain for domestic pro-Palestinian activists).—
Zack Beauchamp,
Vox,
12 May 2025
-
Cricket is not even just fighting against other sports, but also its own with the slew of formats and franchise leagues creating utter confusion amid a congested calendar.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Adverb
-
On energy policy, Donald Trump is absolutely correct, at least rhetorically, about something: nuclear energy should be playing an essential role in powering the United States in the decades to come.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
17 May 2025
-
Summer Knits The knit pieces were absolutely effortless.—
Lisa Aiken,
Vogue,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Vanney’s assessment of the loss was incredibly blunt.—
Felipe Cardenas,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
-
Mallen’s character is a blunt, irreverent woman with a thick Southern accent, a tendency toward microaggressions and a talent for manipulation.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
Secrets of the Thrift Kidney's strategy centers on knowledge, patience, and sheer time investment.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 May 2025
-
Elements of fabric ruching and stitching featured at the hips, with sheer fabric cascading throughout the rest of the piece.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
9 May 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
-
The latter is the name of a short projection show at Disney California Adventure (DCA).—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
Studies with limited parameters like small participant groups and short trial periods indicate that turmeric aids in healing these conditions.—
Rebeca Schiller,
Verywell Health,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
The company’s long-term target is to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2050, based on a 2022 baseline.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
19 May 2025
-
The layers of fealty, love and the grinding terror of war are absolute perfection.—
Caitlin Starling,
People.com,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downright. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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