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 company estimated a roughly $1 billion after-tax headwind in fiscal 2027 due to higher raw materials, energy and transportation costs. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 29 July 2026

But Cooper’s equanimity seemed to recede a bit when the challenging headwinds facing the industry—and the general lack of respect she and her colleagues are afforded—came up. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026

Despite unspooling a long and accomplished career, Fauci might have faced headwinds trying to carry out Emanuel’s plan. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 July 2026

Republicans hope that gerrymandering and a backlash to the progressive left will help tip the midterms in their favor despite headwinds. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 24 July 2026