as in critic
a person who criticizes something or someone
Despite his popularity, his many detractors still think his work is overrated. Even her detractors had to admit that she had made the company successful.
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Recent Examples of detractor
Media and fandom fueled the trial’s chaotic atmosphere Given Jackson’s stardom, news and tabloid media swarmed the scene of the trial along with droves of dedicated fans (and a much smaller contingent of detractors).
—
Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
Yet these developments were not without detractors.
—The Conversation, 4 June 2026
The story of Michael Jackson has changed hands repeatedly, from his devotees to his detractors and back again.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 3 June 2026
That’s not to say there haven’t been detractors to Leo’s approach.
—Krysta Fauria, Fortune, 2 June 2026
Being ahead of the times doesn’t come without its detractors.
—Jeff Ihaza, VIBE.com, 2 June 2026
Blasphemy, the detractors—many of whom are Black, and male—are claiming.
—Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
On Tuesday, Sweeney hit back at her detractors with a brief but pointed message on Instagram along with a carousel of behind-the-scenes images that included some of Cassie's most provocative season three looks.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Like so much of sports, the pass requirement put out by KC2026, the games’ host city organization, has both fans and detractors.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
Yet these developments were not without detractors.
—The Conversation, 4 June 2026
The story of Michael Jackson has changed hands repeatedly, from his devotees to his detractors and back again.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 3 June 2026
That’s not to say there haven’t been detractors to Leo’s approach.
—Krysta Fauria, Fortune, 2 June 2026
Being ahead of the times doesn’t come without its detractors.
—Jeff Ihaza, VIBE.com, 2 June 2026
Blasphemy, the detractors—many of whom are Black, and male—are claiming.
—Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
On Tuesday, Sweeney hit back at her detractors with a brief but pointed message on Instagram along with a carousel of behind-the-scenes images that included some of Cassie's most provocative season three looks.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Like so much of sports, the pass requirement put out by KC2026, the games’ host city organization, has both fans and detractors.
—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detractor
Noun
-
Beaudin’s critics, including residents supporting Balch’s campaign and those that opposed Measure PP, claimed the city was overstating its budget issues and that officials were holding out on a reserve of cash that could lessen impacts of any potential deficit.—
Kyle Martin,
Mercury News,
7 June 2026
-
Environmentalists and critics have a list of concerns.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
In turn, the criticizer is made out to be overreacting.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Detractor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detractor. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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