as in silky
smooth or delicate in appearance or feel
the downy surface of a ripe peach
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Recent Examples of downy
Instead, it was strangely decorated with long downy feathers—making the newborn bird look like a dangerous caterpillar.
—
Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 20 Mar. 2025
Its large, wall-size windows, their casements painted a downy shade of white, look out across Bedford Street onto a row of old and characterful brownstones, including number 75½, whose façade, at nine and a half feet across, is allegedly the city’s narrowest (and therefore most charming).
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2025
Jackie has over 7,000 waterproof feathers on her body that help keep her dry and downy feathers that keep her warm, Steers previously said.
—Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 27 Jan. 2025
The shape of the breeds' eyes, ears, paws and tails helps deflect cold temperatures, and many have a double coat, with water-resistant bristles giving way to longer, downy fur.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downy
Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 20 Mar. 2025
Its large, wall-size windows, their casements painted a downy shade of white, look out across Bedford Street onto a row of old and characterful brownstones, including number 75½, whose façade, at nine and a half feet across, is allegedly the city’s narrowest (and therefore most charming).
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2025
Jackie has over 7,000 waterproof feathers on her body that help keep her dry and downy feathers that keep her warm, Steers previously said.
—Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 27 Jan. 2025
The shape of the breeds' eyes, ears, paws and tails helps deflect cold temperatures, and many have a double coat, with water-resistant bristles giving way to longer, downy fur.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downy
Adjective
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In the final scene of Sirens, Simone stands on the grounds of the mansion, gazing out at the sunset in a silky blue dress.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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Try the trend with this silky animal print blouse, which has a V-neckline and long sleeves with elasticized cuffs.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Pop a satin version on top of your usual night-out curls to make the 'do feel glamorous.—
Jasmine Washington,
Seventeen,
18 Jan. 2023
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From satin pillowcases to a hydrating moisturizer, all of these products are on sale for less than $25.—
Isabel Garcia,
Peoplemag,
13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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Iñárritu also used his Cannes visit as a soft launch for his next wild experiment, with Tom Cruise.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
21 May 2025
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Since then, only a few structural modifications and modern changes have been made—wood-burning stoves were replaced by propane heaters, and horses and mules were swapped for llamas (their feet are softer and less damaging to the ground).—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downy. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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