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

The United States is also facing gale-force productivity headwinds, such as the aging of the population and the relentlessly rising cost of health care, education, and housing. — Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026

Still, the more positive findings for 2026 show that, despite geopolitical headwinds in the last six months, the industry is on a slow path to recovery, after a period of macroeconomic challenges. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 25 June 2026

Republicans, who currently hold a three-seat majority in the House, will have to overcome historical headwinds to maintain their majority, a fact Johnson acknowledged to the crowd during his remarks. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2026

Volkswagen's challenges are illustrative of the headwinds facing the broader European automotive industry, Luman said, citing challenges on the road to full electrification, competition with Chinese car brands and export problems in major markets. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 2 July 2026