downbeat

1 of 2

noun

down·​beat ˈdau̇n-ˌbēt How to pronounce downbeat (audio)
Synonyms of downbeatnext
1
: the downward stroke of a conductor indicating the principally accented note of a measure of music
also : the first beat of a measure
2
: a decline in activity or prosperity

downbeat

2 of 2

adjective

: pessimistic, gloomy
a downbeat assessment

Synonyms of downbeat

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Adjective

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Examples of downbeat in a Sentence

Adjective a downbeat prediction for the company's sales performance in the upcoming year
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.
Noun
Where is the bar line, where is the downbeat? — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 The physical thing is universal, like, downbeat is always down in every part of the world. — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Vocally, The Afterparty doesn’t sound nearly as downbeat as its lyrics paint it. — Caitlin Wolper Phillips, Pitchfork, 20 May 2026 But consumers are still significantly more downbeat on the economy compared to before the war started. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for downbeat

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downbeat was in 1766

Rhymes for downbeat

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Browse Nearby Words

downbear
downbeat
down-beater
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Cite this Entry

“Downbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downbeat. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

downbeat

noun
down·​beat
ˈdau̇n-ˌbēt
: the downward stroke of a conductor indicating the principally accented note of a measure of music
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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