as in critics
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 detractors
Hiller had his detractors for much of the season, but survived every lull and disappointment until the Kings were eviscerated by the Edmonton Oilers, 8-1, on Thursday.
—
Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
The crackdown has been divisive, with detractors citing the separation of relatives and violent clashes between agents and protesters.
—Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
Just like the book, the film has its detractors.
—Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026
The Barrera firing is the big one, to be clear, but that’s not the only reason the film has earned its share of detractors ahead of its release.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
The problem for some MLS supporters, and for the league’s detractors, is the unending pursuit of overaged global stars.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Trump has turned heads with eye-popping looks since reentering the White House in January 2025, which both delighted her fans and frustrated detractors.
—Jay Stahl, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
Although many say GOs are vital to promote the Earth’s decarbonization, the system has its detractors.
—Jennifer McDermott, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Amid detractors, financial obstacles and technical challenges, the construction of the Statue of Liberty becomes a constant battle.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
The crackdown has been divisive, with detractors citing the separation of relatives and violent clashes between agents and protesters.
—Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
Just like the book, the film has its detractors.
—Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026
The Barrera firing is the big one, to be clear, but that’s not the only reason the film has earned its share of detractors ahead of its release.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
The problem for some MLS supporters, and for the league’s detractors, is the unending pursuit of overaged global stars.
—Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Trump has turned heads with eye-popping looks since reentering the White House in January 2025, which both delighted her fans and frustrated detractors.
—Jay Stahl, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026
Although many say GOs are vital to promote the Earth’s decarbonization, the system has its detractors.
—Jennifer McDermott, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Amid detractors, financial obstacles and technical challenges, the construction of the Statue of Liberty becomes a constant battle.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detractors
critics
Noun
-
That view has its ardent critics.—
Jonathan M. Pitts,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Mar. 2026
-
In the last month, Prasad has come under fire from pharmaceutical executives, investors, members of Congress and other critics for multiple decisions at the agency.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detractors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detractors. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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