downright

1 of 2

adverb

down·​right ˈdau̇n-ˌrīt How to pronounce downright (audio)
1
archaic : straight down
2
: absolutely sense 1a
downright handsome
downright mean
3
obsolete : forthright

downright

2 of 2

adjective

1
archaic : directed vertically downward
2
: outright, thorough
a downright lie
3
: plain, blunt
stories he had heard of her downright tongueAngus Wilson
downrightly adverb
downrightness noun

Examples of downright in a Sentence

Adverb The movie was downright stupid. It's very difficult, if not downright impossible. Adjective rural folks are often known for their downright speech, as they are generally not ones to beat around the bush that's a downright lie, and you know it
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adverb
On August 2, Netflix released a downright adorable Instagram video of the moment Bader was offered the role, with Blyth and even Henry herself jumping on the video call. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 1 July 2025 Sunday, his changeup looked downright evil, responsible for retiring each of his first five strikeout victims. Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Adjective
For working with more delicate objects, however, buyers can opt for softer brass grips, even softer nylon grips, or downright rubbery silicone grips. New Atlas, 17 June 2025 Dining here feels like eating at a friend's home—that is, if your friend could whip up a downright decadent vodka rigatoni. Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for downright

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of downright was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downright. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

downright

1 of 2 adverb
down·​right -ˌrīt How to pronounce downright (audio)
: in a complete and absolute manner
that was downright stupid

downright

2 of 2 adjective
1
: absolute sense 3, utter
a downright lie
2
: outspoken, blunt
downright country people
downrightly adverb
downrightness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on downright

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!