westerly

noun

Definition of westerlynext
as in gale

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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 westerly Wendling, the most north-westerly site of all and barely in the valley, turns the same cool end darker, toward plum, blackberry and savoury earth. — Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 First, through a combination of weaker trade winds and westerlies over the tropical Atlantic, La Niña tends to create a more placid atmosphere. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 20 May 2024 Their modest city saw an influx of evacuees from nearby rural and coastal regions soon after hot westerlies sent walls of flame into a string of towns and villages around New Year's Eve. — NBC News, 11 Jan. 2020 As the land cools in the autumn, north-easterly winds replace the south-westerlies (see map). — The Economist, 27 June 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for westerly
  1. gale
  2. wind
  3. blow
  4. northeaster
  5. headwind
Noun
  • The United States is also facing gale-force productivity headwinds, such as the aging of the population and the relentlessly rising cost of health care, education, and housing.
    — Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026
  • His football outing on ITV was perfectly good value, even if there was the near-instant karma of an off-camera Brooklyn gale threatening to blow the set down.
    — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 21 June 2026
Definition of gale
Noun
  • Strong winds were dying down Monday, raising hopes that the nearly 500 firefighters battling the blaze could manage to halt its advance.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Flights over the Nazca Lines departing from the nearby Maria Reiche Airport had been suspended on Friday due to winds exceeding 25 mph, which kicked up dust ⁠and ​reduced visibility.
    — Joe Kottke, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of wind
Noun
  • After Torres broke a tie with a two-run shot in the fifth, Clark delivered his big blow the following inning.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • That was a massive blow, and losing speedy rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell to another knee injury Wednesday didn’t help, either.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of blow
Noun
  • The ocean keeps coming because of climate change, sea level rise, nor'easters, hurricanes, et cetera.
    — Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 8 July 2023
  • That morning, around 6, authorities found O'Keefe on the ground outside the Canton home just before a nor'easter struck the town with 21 inches of snow.
    — Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 26 May 2023
Definition of northeaster
Noun
  • Gusts and crosswinds affect helicopters more than a single consistent headwind does.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • Another College Recruiting Challenge The proposal arrives as American universities are already confronting mounting headwinds in international recruitment.
    — Anna Esaki-Smith, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of headwind

Browse Nearby Words

westerlies
westerly
wet
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Cite this Entry

“Westerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/westerly. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on westerly

Nglish: Translation of westerly for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about westerly

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