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.

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upstream

While Russia managed to guard its upstream assets from Chinese ownership, Beijing held the upper hand on pricing, securing a heavily discounted rate tied to oil prices.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

A quick stroll upstream, a group of DJs unaffiliated with the family-friendly festival hosted a day party aimed at Gen Z and millennial attendees, perched on one of the channel’s outcrops.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2026

This squeeze starts upstream on the ranch and flows straight through to your hamburger on the grill.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 30, 2026

Further downstream, at the river's mouth, the situation is already serious: seawater has pushed about 20 kilometres upstream.

From Barron's ● Jun. 27, 2026

After all, even when everyone defecates righteously, there are villages upstream from us.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

upstream

Example Sentences

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