upstream

[uhp-streem] / ˈʌpˈstrim /

ADJECTIVE

difficult

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ambitious arduous burdensome challenging crucial demanding laborious onerous painful problematic severe strenuous tough troublesome

WEAK

backbreaker bothersome difficile easier said than done effortful exacting formidable galling gargantuan hard-won heavy herculean immense intricate irritating labored no picnic not easy operose problem prohibitive rigid stiff titanic toilsome trying unyielding uphill wearisome

Antonyms

STRONGEST

easy effortless facile helpful nice trivial

WEAK

calm free friendly manageable plain simple sociable straightforward uncomplicated

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"That's critical for identifying the upstream regulators that drive these disease states."

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

When Chinook salmon swim upstream from the ocean to spawn in rivers and creeks, they need cold water for their eggs to survive.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

The last reported sighting of the St Malachy's College student was at Northwood Road close to the tunnel inlet, more than 600m upstream from where his body was discovered six days after he went missing.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

It may take a little longer for the oilfield-services story to play out than the upstream names, but I like the exposure.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

In a while he started upstream, walking along the bank, where no tall grass obstructed the way.

From "Abel's Island" by William Steig

upstream

Example Sentences

Related Words