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Showing results for upstream.
Definitions

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.

This is becoming the standard position: A.I. for everything upstream of prose is acceptable; A.I. for the prose itself is a betrayal.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

Given the heightened inflation expectations, Nuveen evinces a clear preference for floating rate rather than fixed-credit instruments, energy and upstream assets across equities, and for hard assets and real return profiles.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

This investment positions Yangzijiang Shipbuilding further upstream in the containership value chain, providing direct visibility into fleet renewal cycles and global charter dynamics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

The full Fish Moon refers to when shad fish came upstream to spawn and Breaking Ice Moon highlights the arrival of warmer weather.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

I remember hearing my sister walk across the meadow from upstream.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri