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

As an art form, fantasy has always sailed into the fierce headwinds of elite dismissal. — David Faris, TheWeek, 10 Nov. 2026

Countries such as Mexico and Thailand, which lack many of Japan’s advantages, may struggle to weather the same demographic headwinds. — Jesús Fernández-Villaverde, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2026

Traders also anticipate a Federal Reserve rate hike in December—another potential headwind for crypto markets. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2026

How much of a cushion the expansion will provide Shein remains to be seen, particularly as the company is already feeling the effects of recent headwinds. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2026