What is the opposite of “headward”?

What is the antonym of “headward”?

The antonyms of headward are downstream and outward. The antonym downstream refers to the direction in which a river or stream flows, while outward refers to the direction away from the center or inside of something.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

downstream

In the direction in which a river or stream flows.

Example

The fisherman cast his line downstream to catch some trout.

outward

Towards the outside; away from the center or inside of something.

Example

The petals of the flower opened outward to reveal its beautiful colors.

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Downstream is a relational antonym that describes the direction in which a river or stream flows.
• 2. Outward is a complementary antonym that describes the direction away from the center or inside of something.

Good things to know

• 1. Geography: Use downstream to describe the direction in which a river or stream flows.
• 2. Spatial Relations: Use outward to describe the direction away from the center or inside of something.

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Remember this!

The antonyms of headward are downstream and outward. Use downstream to describe the direction in which a river or stream flows, and use outward to describe the direction away from the center or inside of something.