downward 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of downwardnext
as in bowed
directed down fishermen keep watch for the downward plunge of seabirds diving for food

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

downward

2 of 2

adverb

ˈdau̇n-wərd How to pronounce downward (audio)
variants or downwards
as in down
toward or in a lower position at this point the river flows gently downward to the sea

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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
The land on which Thwaites sits slopes downward, meaning as the glacier melts, more ice is exposed to warm ocean water. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026 The biggest downward revisions were for Qatar to -21% (from -6%) and Kuwait to -15% (from -6%). — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
Adverb
The surrounding countryside, by comparison, was littered with large numbers of trees that were toppled as the shock waves produced by the exploding asteroid high above radiated downward. — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026 While the precise tilt that was associated with eruptions tended downward over time, the difference between consecutive eruptions was relatively small. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downward
  1. lowered
  2. down
Adjective
  • There are predetermined dates for lowered flags each year, and the governor’s office announces any additional dates necessary.
    — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • This isn’t the first study to link acupuncture with lowered symptoms of depression.
    — Korin Miller, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of lowered
Adverb
  • Charlotte was down by 35 points after three quarters, and the entire fourth quarter amounted to garbage time.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
  • But once those bills stop after age 5, the lower rent pulls the long-run totals down sharply.
    — Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of down

Browse Nearby Words

downturns
downward
downwind
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Cite this Entry

“Downward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downward. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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