DOWNWARD Synonyms: 20 Similar and Opposite Words

downward 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of downward

as in bowed

directed down fishermen keep watch for the downward plunge of seabirds diving for food

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

downward

2 of 2

adverb

ˈdau̇n-wərd

variants or downwards

as in down

toward or in a lower position at this point the river flows gently downward to the sea

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 downward

Adjective

Although older adults accounted for only 11% of all overdose deaths, this increase contrasts with the broader downward trend observed across other age groups, according to the report. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026 Struggling to fit in and wrestling with a rebellious streak, the teen makes one bad decision after another, with his downward trajectory changed by the titular disabled man, played by Oskar Seeman. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 26 June 2026

Adverb

Two lateral skylights direct natural light downward, nourishing the tree and creating a bright, airy atmosphere. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 June 2026 That’s still high, but moves downward mean less chance of a vicious cycle where expectations for higher inflation drive changes in behavior that create higher inflation. — Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for downward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for downward

Adjective

The beat comes on lowered expectations, after the company gave disappointing guidance in February that fell short of analyst estimates.

— Samantha Subin, CNBC, 2 June 2026
For video, the Avata 360 supports a standard color profile with the same naturally vibrant tones as its JPGs, or a 10-bit flat D-Log M profile with lowered contrast and saturation.

— Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026

Definition of lowered

Adverb

Rather than designing a luxury escape filled with domestic gadgets, the architects have shaped a home that encourages slowing down and reconnecting with nature.

— Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
As for the hosts, mosquitoes track people (and their blood) down by detecting carbon dioxide, body heat, sweat and body odor.

— Sharon Wu, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of down

Browse Nearby Words

downturns

downward

downwind

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Style

“Downward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downward. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of downward

adjective

adverb

Example Sentences

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