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 poll points to growing political headwinds for the president. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

But this cycle, Republicans are doing so with unique political headwinds, chief among them the war in Iran. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 20 Sep. 2026

The political costs will be calculated in November’s midterm congressional elections, with Republicans facing increasing headwinds from the war’s unpopularity. — Ben Finley, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Chinese competition gains ground Another headwind on the horizon is the challenge from China. — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2026