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
But even some of TMZ’s usual detractors have applauded its pivot to name-and-shame political coverage.
—
Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
The detractors also seem to forget that not only a stadium will be coming if the Royals decide that’s their preferred location and the city can come through with its part of the funding.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026
From liberal to nationalist Beloved by many older and more rural Hungarians and reviled by detractors, Orbán has emerged as the country’s most consequential leader since its transition to democracy at the end of the Cold War.
—Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
This provision of the treaty had its detractors among Americans, though—specifically, those who were unhappy with the United States absorbing a considerable number of Roman Catholics, many of whom were not of exclusively European descent.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Apr. 2026
His ties to Epstein undercut his reputation (with his fans) as a chill truth teller or (with his detractors) as a villain with an uncanny ability to demean his enemies.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
Alexander-Arnold’s defensive deficiencies have always been slightly overblown by his detractors.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
For detractors, the film’s emotions lacks emotional impact.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Apr. 2026
But many other comments mocked the shop along with its presidential namesake, with a few detractors posting memes of tearful snowflakes topped with red MAGA hats.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
The detractors also seem to forget that not only a stadium will be coming if the Royals decide that’s their preferred location and the city can come through with its part of the funding.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2026
From liberal to nationalist Beloved by many older and more rural Hungarians and reviled by detractors, Orbán has emerged as the country’s most consequential leader since its transition to democracy at the end of the Cold War.
—Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
This provision of the treaty had its detractors among Americans, though—specifically, those who were unhappy with the United States absorbing a considerable number of Roman Catholics, many of whom were not of exclusively European descent.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Apr. 2026
His ties to Epstein undercut his reputation (with his fans) as a chill truth teller or (with his detractors) as a villain with an uncanny ability to demean his enemies.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
Alexander-Arnold’s defensive deficiencies have always been slightly overblown by his detractors.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
For detractors, the film’s emotions lacks emotional impact.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Apr. 2026
But many other comments mocked the shop along with its presidential namesake, with a few detractors posting memes of tearful snowflakes topped with red MAGA hats.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detractors
critics
Noun
-
The critics said the show was well worth seeing and David was relieved.—
Douglas Stuart,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
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One of the South’s most recognizable postcard settings is facing growing concerns over homelessness, encampments and public safety, with critics warning the issues are spreading beyond Savannah’s storybook streets to other scenic Georgia cities.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Detractors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detractors. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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