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

Whether energy prices will continue trending downward remains to be seen. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026 Kelly predicted that payrolls should grow 50,000 to 100,000 per month going forward — but July’s poor report and downward revision for earlier months call that into question. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Adverb

The straight tonearm ending in a (swappable) moving magnet phono cartridge points downward, and mechanical controls to the side are pushed, turned and clicked for playback. — New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026 After healthier payroll increases in May and June were revised downward to 63,000 and 20,000 respectively, payroll growth for the past 3 months averages just 20,000 and for the past 2 months has been completely flat. — Harry Holzer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downward

Recent Examples of Synonyms for downward

Adjective

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
Now researchers have discovered that the substance essentially transforms a person’s gut cells into a sugar sink, resulting in lowered levels of glucose.

— Viviane Callier, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of lowered

Adverb

Webb and Payton will lament converting only 5-of-14 attempts on third down, but the Broncos generally appeared in sync operationally.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
The number of beef cows is at historic lows for the midyear mark, and the calf crop for 2026 is projected to be down another 2% from last year’s multidecade lows, per the National Agricultural Statistics Service’s cattle report released last month.

— Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of down

Browse Nearby Words

downturns

downward

downwind

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“Downward.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downward. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of downward

adjective

adverb

Example Sentences

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