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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.

“Absent a prolonged conflict leading to an economic slowdown and demand destruction, these supply responses reinforce our conviction of a broad-based recovery in upstream markets in 2027 and 2028,” Le Peuch said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

“Absent a prolonged conflict leading to an economic slowdown and demand destruction, these supply responses reinforce our conviction of a broad-based recovery in upstream markets in 2027 and 2028,” it added.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

One of the species that would benefit, it said was Atlantic salmon, which faced challenges in getting upstream to spawn.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

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

“Yes, all right,” said Hazel good-naturedly, as he began to limp along the bank upstream.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams