upstream

/ʌpˈstriːm/
adverb
  1. In the direction opposite to the flow of a river or stream; toward the source.
    • We paddled upstream for two hours before stopping for lunch.
    • The current was too strong to travel upstream easily.
    • The salmon swim upstream to spawn.
  2. In the earlier stages of a process or supply chain; closer to the origin.
    • The company is investing in upstream oil exploration.
    • Problems upstream in the manufacturing process caused delays.
    • We need to look upstream to find the root cause of the issue.
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun
  1. The part of a river or stream that is closer to its source.
    • The fish migrated to the upstream to lay eggs.
    • The upstream is shallower and rockier than the downstream.
    • We explored the upstream of the river on our hike.
adjective
  1. Located or moving in the direction opposite to the flow of a river or stream.
    • They built a dam at the upstream end of the valley.
    • The upstream village had cleaner water than the one downstream.
    • Upstream winds carried the smoke away from the city.
  2. Relating to the earlier stages of a process or supply chain.
    • Upstream suppliers must meet strict quality standards.
    • Upstream costs include raw materials and transportation.
    • The company focuses on upstream research and development.
Antonyms
What does "upstream" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean