as in silky
smooth or delicate in appearance or feel
the downy surface of a ripe peach
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of downy
Mature king penguins have four total layers of feathers—three downy inner layers, topped by an oily waterproof outer layer.
—
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024
That said, Beatty’s portrayal of the harried, discursive, libidinous George is irresistible even without context, as is the performance given by a young Goldie Hawn, who illuminates every frame—and perfectly counteracts Beatty—with blonde California light, and a heart-melting, downy innocence.
—Vogue, 10 Sep. 2024
The New York Ironweed (V. noveboracensis) grows almost as tall as V. altissima but the Big Apple version sports a heavier flower mass and some downy hairs on the bottom of the leaves.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 16 Aug. 2024
Plants produce a basal rosette of downy foliage in their first year and flower in the second season, after which the plants typically die out.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for downy
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024
That said, Beatty’s portrayal of the harried, discursive, libidinous George is irresistible even without context, as is the performance given by a young Goldie Hawn, who illuminates every frame—and perfectly counteracts Beatty—with blonde California light, and a heart-melting, downy innocence.
—Vogue, 10 Sep. 2024
The New York Ironweed (V. noveboracensis) grows almost as tall as V. altissima but the Big Apple version sports a heavier flower mass and some downy hairs on the bottom of the leaves.
—Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 16 Aug. 2024
Plants produce a basal rosette of downy foliage in their first year and flower in the second season, after which the plants typically die out.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for downy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downy
Adjective
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This wine exhibits fresh cherry, raspberry, and subtle spice, with a silky texture and a clean finish.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
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Try out the trend with the best silky tops on Amazon, all for less than $35.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Pop a satin version on top of your usual night-out curls to make the 'do feel glamorous.—
Jasmine Washington,
Seventeen,
18 Jan. 2023
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From satin pillowcases to a hydrating moisturizer, all of these products are on sale for less than $25.—
Isabel Garcia,
Peoplemag,
13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
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Inspired by her search for soft and generously sized bath towels, Camille designed Body by Love to enhance our bathroom rituals.—
Essence,
Essence,
10 Mar. 2025
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Color choices include dun, icy blue, gray, Pacific blue, soft rose, and white.—
Terri Williams,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downy. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
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