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

That expectation will keep mortgage rates high – probably resulting in fewer home sales, less mobility and continued headwinds for prospective buyers. — John W. Diamond, The Conversation, 16 Sep. 2026

So, yes, Lamar Jackson could be facing fantasy headwinds in Week 2. — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

The week ended with the spotlight on the president -- underscoring the party's major bet on his ability to connect with supporters to help the GOP weather historic headwinds in November. — Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026

This is a different approach than that taken by most presidents whose parties are facing political headwinds in a midterm year. — Tamara Keith, NPR, 9 Sep. 2026