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.

They remain bullish on tech and AI upstream plays such as utilities and some industrials, along with defense stocks and banks, and said higher-growth areas of healthcare are also starting to show some value.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 24, 2026

Mining disruptions, especially in highly concentrated upstream regions, frequently act as the initial source of risk.

From Science Daily • Jun. 20, 2026

If you don’t have great people, you’re swimming upstream.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2026

New CEO Meg O’Neill has made an impressive start to her tenure by opting to reset the company into upstream and downstream divisions, she adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

While Kermit went back upstream, Rondon and Lyra decided to continue scouting the area downstream.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple

upstream

Example Sentences

Related Words