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 Ongoing recalls and political headwinds accelerated the end of its road. Robert Duffer, AJC.com, 23 Jan. 2026 In Fabric & Home Care, flat organic sales were driven by a 1% tailwind from foreign exchange, a 1% benefit from price, and a 1% headwind from the sales mix. Zev Fima, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026 Now that strategy is facing headwinds, Steinbach said. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Jan. 2026 But electric vehicles face major headwinds. Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for headwind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headwind
wind
Noun
  • Noir laid her easel and 4-by-5-foot linen canvas against a boulevard tree and started painting a portrait of Good wearing the strapless red dress from her maternity photoshoot, her blonde hair blowing in the wind.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026
  • San Diego’s biomedical industry was hit by federal funding cuts and other head winds.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Headwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headwind. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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