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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Mattifying Primer $36 Sephora This Fenty primer has a transparent, silky texture that glides onto the skin and doesn’t leave a white cast—something that can’t be said about many other primers.—
Brigitt Earley,
Glamour,
27 Feb. 2025
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Squalane oil, glycerin and peptides reduce fine lines and improve skin texture while delivering silky hydration and boosting your nighttime skincare routine.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes,
26 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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Others are naked and seemingly unaware of the viewer, cigarettes in hand and gazes soft.—
Leah Asmelash,
CNN,
26 Feb. 2025
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Their emphasis on key soft skill behaviors makes everybody in the organization much better—even the youngest, least experienced employees.—
Bruce Tulgan,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downy. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
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