Synonyms for

Upstream

Verb / ˈʌˈpstri:m / Another word for upstream — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

moving against the direction of a current or stream

Synonyms & similar words

downstream upriver downriver contrary counter opposite reverse upward upwardly upwards uphill upward-moving upwards-moving upward-trending up-hill upward-rising upward-soaring upward-surging upward-climbing upward-lifting

Synonyms by register

Formal

antecedent prior preceding

Informal

ahead before earlier

Literary

afore ere

Antonyms

downstream following subsequent later hind rear

Common collocations

  • upstream processing
  • upstream data
  • upstream activities
  • upstream oil
  • upstream research
  • upstream flow
  • upstream segment

Word family

noun upstream
adjective upstream
adverb upstream

Usage note

Primarily used in technical contexts like engineering, biology, and business to denote a direction or stage earlier in a process or flow. It can also refer to something originating from an earlier point in time or a source.

Example sentences

  1. The salmon swim upstream to lay their eggs in the same spot where they were born.
  2. We hiked upstream to find the source of the river.
  3. The kayakers struggled upstream against the strong current.
  4. The beaver built their dam upstream to create a pond.
  5. The pollution is flowing upstream towards the main water source.

Quotes

  • I've always been someone who swims upstream, so it's been a bit of a strange experience for me to swim downstream. - Moby
  • I have always found it difficult to swim upstream in a world that seems to flow down with such ease. - Sarah Mlynowski
  • I wanted to be the salmon swimming upstream. - Sean Lennon

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