headwind

Definition of headwindnext
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.

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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 headwind Economic anxiety, conflict overseas, a polarizing mass deportation program and low approval ratings for the president might become headwinds for Lombardo, despite a Republican presidential candidate carrying the state for the first time in two decades in 2024. Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 10 June 2026 But Lombardo faces headwinds from economic uncertainty in the state. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 June 2026 And now, there are fresh headwinds that make the math even more daunting. John W. Diamond, The Conversation, 9 June 2026 But Collins has survived headwinds here before and even a slight erosion of base support in November could be a problem for Platner. Julia Terruso, Time, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for headwind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headwind
wind
Noun
  • The remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur battered parts of the southeastern United States with drenching rains and strong wind on Thursday, tearing through buildings, flooding homes and launching water rescues along the Gulf Coast.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • Residents should be prepared for wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Headwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headwind. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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