headwind

noun

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 Higher borrowing costs are typically a headwind for bullion, which bears no interest. — Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026 However, due to headwinds, that was reduced to 74 minutes, which was and still continues to be an astonishing achievement. — Dhananjay Khadilkar, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026 Electric vehicles have faced major headwinds over the past year. — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026 Even with their fortunes brightening in Michigan, Republicans are clear-eyed about the headwinds this year. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for headwind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for headwind
wind
Noun
  • Officials said deep peat soil, limited water supplies, difficult access and strong winds have complicated efforts, even with three helicopters conducting aerial firefighting operations.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Some critics worry the country is rushing to deploy risky and unnecessary new technology at a time when wind, solar and battery power are increasingly affordable and reliable.
    — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of wind

Browse Nearby Words

headways
headwind
headwinds
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Cite this Entry

“Headwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/headwind. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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