downward 1 of 2

as in bowed
directed down fishermen keep watch for the downward plunge of seabirds diving for food

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downward

2 of 2

adverb

variants or downwards
as in down
toward or in a lower position at this point the river flows gently downward to the sea

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 downward
Adjective
Americans’ view of the U.S. economy worsened in June, resuming a downward slide that had dragged consumer confidence to its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago. Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025 If the downward trend continues, there will be about half the number of volunteers as 20 years ago, according to a 2022 projection. Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2025
Adverb
This tower then redirects the concentrated sunlight downward to heat a solar reactor that contains particles of a mineral oxide called ceria – or rather, a doped version of it. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 23 June 2025 The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. Devi Shastri, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for downward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downward
Adjective
  • The composer also added synths to his orchestral score, as well as bowed metal, where a violin bow is rubbed against metal instruments like a cowbell or a Vibraphone, for when Roz has a particularly intense feeling.
    Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Jeremy Strong forwent a classic suit and tie in favor of a bowed necktie, giving his tailored look the perfect dash of whimsy.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 17 June 2024
Adverb
  • While that’s down from 88% in 2024, these same folks feel less prepared across all six areas Accenture surveyed.
    Sumeet Salwan, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • These styles can be dressed up or down for any itinerary, and they’re elevated enough for even the most fashionable destinations.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Downward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downward. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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