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
Now, as beef prices remain stubbornly high, his administration is turning to a cheaper foreign supply to put downward pressure on prices. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 While these numbers show that confirmed cases themselves are still rising, the overall trend is on a downward swing; previous weeks regularly saw increase that numbered into the 2,000 and 3,000 range. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
Adverb
Medicaid reimbursement has begun to tilt downward, and self-pay patients are on the rise. — Daniel Payne, STAT, 25 Aug. 2026 As far as when the region will see some relief, Bonnette said temperatures will start to head downward as September nears. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downward
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downward
  1. lowered
  2. down
Adjective
  • This isn’t the first study to link acupuncture with lowered symptoms of depression.
    — Korin Miller, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Coupled with the lowered JumboTron, seating that surrounds the court gives it a more intimate look, and plays better on TV.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of lowered
Adverb
  • If all these additional investments pan out, only 10% of the world’s oil will need to travel through the Strait of Hormuz, down from 20% before the war.
    — Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Tehran's crude loadings are down about 70% in August from 893,000 bpd last month.
    — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 28 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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