leeward 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of leewardnext
as in downwind
being in the direction that the wind is blowing we moved to the leeward side of the ship so that we wouldn't have the wind in our faces

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

leeward

2 of 2

noun

as in windward

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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 leeward
Adjective
While most people think of Hawaii as a tropical place, the leeward side of the island is drier, and Hawaii has a year-round fire season, Walker explained. — Brisa Colon and Aya Elamroussi, CNN, 7 Aug. 2021 Further north, on the off-the-grid Cayo Frances, learn to fish from legendary fly fisherwoman Lori-Ann Murphy, and enjoy the placid, shallow waters of the leeward side of the island. — Ali Wunderman, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2020
Noun
The Brazilians went for a tight gap at one of the leeward marks, trying to get ahead of Canada. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 22 June 2026 My family in Honolulu and on the leeward side of the island was not evacuated, but one of my friends in Honolulu had to move out of her apartment due to flooding. — Chantell Murphy, Outside, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leeward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for leeward
  1. downwind
  2. windward
  3. side
  4. flank
Adjective
  • Scientists have also found that wildfire smoke can alter lightning patterns in downwind thunderstorms.
    — Yunyao Li, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
  • This has the district encouraging people who live in the immediate area and in the downwind areas to remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and use air filtration.
    — Brandon Downs, CBS News, 12 June 2026
Definition of downwind
Noun
  • Rainfall predictions for this weekend for the southeast and windward sides of the Big Island were 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 centimeters), with as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters) in isolated areas, Oswant said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • That storm dumped torrential rain — more than 3 feet in spots on the windward side of the island — that triggered damaging landslides and flash flooding that cut off small communities, destroyed homes and damaged critical infrastructure.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of windward
Noun
  • Using the textured side of a meat mallet, gently pound the meat until it’s slightly flattened, creating indentations all over the surface.
    — Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The pickup truck was traveling west on Victory Avenue and making a right turn onto northbound Stockton Boulevard when the driver felt an impact on the right side of the truck, CHP Officer Michael Harper of the South Sacramento office said.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of side
Noun
  • Three maritime drones struck a container ship sailing in the Black Sea off the coast of Bulgaria on Wednesday, the country’s defense minister said, the latest in a string of such incidents on NATO’s eastern flank.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • He was quickly elevated to Vancouver’s top power-play unit, and has looked the part on his one-time side on the left flank.
    — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of flank

Browse Nearby Words

lees
leeward
leewards
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Cite this Entry

“Leeward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/leeward. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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