upwards
2 antonyms and opposites of upwards, grouped by meaning.
Adv — Toward a higher position; up.
Antonyms
How to use upwards
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English upweardes, the same root as upward, with an added adverbial -s.
Full origin of upwards →Frequently asked questions
What does “upwards” mean?
The word “upwards” means toward a higher position; up. In plain terms, moving or pointing higher, or (with "of") at least a certain amount.
How do you pronounce “upwards”?
“Upwards” is pronounced UHP-wuhdz (/ˈʌpwɚdz/ in IPA).
How do you use “upwards” in a sentence?
Here is “upwards” used in a sentence: “The smoke drifted upwards through the trees.”
What is another word for “upwards”?
Words with a similar meaning to “upwards” include upward and up.
What is the opposite of “upwards”?
The opposite of “upwards” — its antonyms — are downward and down.
What part of speech is “upwards”?
“Upwards” is an adverb.
Where does the word “upwards” come from?
The word “upwards” comes from Old English. From Old English upweardes, the same root as upward, with an added adverbial -s.
Is “upwards” a common word?
“Upwards” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "upwards" and "upward"?
"Upwards" and "upward" both describe movement toward a higher position, but "upwards" is more common in British English, while American English favors "upward." As an adjective, only "upward" is standard, as in "an upward glance."
Is "upwards" used for both physical direction and quantity?
Yes, "upwards" describes physical movement toward a higher position, such as "looking upwards," and also describes an increase in figure or degree, especially in the phrase "upwards of," as in "upwards of fifty guests."