Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for upstream. Search instead for uppstramat.
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

CGS International maintains an overweight rating on Malaysia’s plantation sector and continues to favor upstream companies including TA Ann and Hap Seng Plantations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Exxon has an ownership interest in two LNG trains in Qatar that accounted for 3% of last year’s upstream production.

From MarketWatch • 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

The asrai and the undines had slipped into the icy northern sea to head south for the mouth of the Kell, where they would swim upstream to their cool lakes and rocky rivers.

From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo