downright

1 of 2

adverb

down·​right ˈdau̇n-ˌrīt How to pronounce downright (audio)
Synonyms of downrightnext
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 tongue …—Angus Wilson
downrightly adverb
downrightness noun

Synonyms of downright

Relevance

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Yes, the same Cowboys who have looked downright awful in their four losses. — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 It’s always caught our attention for features alone, but the specs at this sale price are downright spectacular. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
But food has also been a source of deep personal anxiety, and in moments, downright pain. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026 After all, that price is a downright bargain compared to how much someone spent on the very first Luce. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for downright

See All Rhymes for downright

Browse Nearby Words

downrange
downright
downrightly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Downright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downright. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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
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