Synonyms of headwind

headwind

noun

as in wind

an air movement that is blowing toward something (such as a ship or an airplane) as it moves forward

Stiff headwinds caused the flight to take longer than expected.

Related Words

• wind
• air
• gale
• blow
• breath
• breeze
• westerly
• southeaster
• northeaster
• norther
• puff
• flurry
• current
• blast
• zephyr
• whiff
• northwester
• southwester
• waft
• sea breeze
• windstorm
• draft
• tornado
• squall
• tempest
• airflow

Dissimilar Words

• tailwind
• calm

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of headwind

Put forces and factors in the context of either headwinds (challenges or differences) or tailwinds (helping). — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

The trucking and transportation company absorbed more than $50 million in sequential cost headwinds, led by driver and medical costs. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Beyond its debt, the amusement park is facing headwinds from the high cost of living. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Republicans acknowledge high diesel costs have become a major political headwind for GOP candidates in battleground races across the country. — Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 13 Oct. 2026