DOWNSIDE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

downside

noun

ˈdau̇n-ˌsīd

Definition of downside

as in disadvantage

a feature of someone or something that creates difficulty for achieving success the downside of living in the country is, of course, the long commute to work

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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 downside The Miami Dolphins’ season opener showed the downsides of a young team. — Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2026 The only downside that some customers have pointed out is that there’s not a prominent pumpkin flavor in this coffee creamer. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2026 None of us are immune to the potential downside of new technologies. — Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026 But the outbreak in iceberg lettuce has also laid bare the potential downsides of those approaches. — ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downside

Recent Examples of Synonyms for downside

Noun

When the bro-country era featured songs about field parties, drinking and one-night stands, cultural double standards put women at a disadvantage.

— Tom Roland, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2026
Tariffs are being used to force other countries to change behavior that puts the United States at an unfair disadvantage.

— Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of disadvantage

Noun

The 6,970-yard course is challenging but fair and open enough for all handicaps, from the proper tees, to have a good time.

— Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2026
Weiss runs a country club where golf clubs become horsepower, fairways give way to a racetrack and the handicap system is measured in lap time.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of handicap

Noun

But a lack of high-end skill, particularly up front, remains the most glaring drawback.

— Vincent Z. Mercogliano, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
That could, however, come with some drawbacks, Conley noted, like the possibility of the shops creating competition with existing downtown businesses and the difficulty of finding vendors each year.

— Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of drawback

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downshifts

downside

downsides

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“Downside.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downside. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of downside

noun

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