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.

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

Spikes in black fly activity are often caused by scheduled water releases from upstream dams, which are necessary for the region’s water management but also create ideal breeding conditions for the pests.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

It’s “an old-fashioned land grab,” Bob Fryklund, S&P Global’s chief upstream energy strategist, said of the industry’s rush to acquire new acreage.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

The analysts recommend staying invested in upstream and integrated oil stocks such as PetroChina, Cnooc and PTT Exploration & Production, but caution further aggressive positioning would be risky.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Seanie added, “Why does this remind me of salmon swimming upstream to spawn and die?”

From "Winger" by Andrew Smith

upstream

Example Sentences

Related Words