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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After seeing animal print interiors in clubs across the city, Rowland ventured into that territory with her clothing, and in true London fashion, the show opened with a silky trench coat.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA TODAY,
15 Feb. 2025
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Sultry music is played to set the tone while staff gently introduces attendees to pleasurable sensations—tracing soft touches along their thighs, caressing their décolleté with silky fur, or running fingers through their hair, as well as decorating them with flowers and crystals.—
Aubree Nichols,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 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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In some regards, the third season feels like a soft reset.—
Angie Han,
The Hollywood Reporter,
14 Feb. 2025
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Many who step away from heavy lash use find their face appears softer and more youthful without them.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
13 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near downy
Cite this Entry
“Downy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downy. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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