thumbs-down

noun

Definition of thumbs-downnext
as in criticism

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of thumbs-down But the Western States Petroleum Association, an industry trade group, gave Tuesday’s announcement a thumbs-down. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 Ultimately, the Fillmore city council gave Aston the thumbs-down on Aston's bond idea. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2026 Those patients can provide feedback on Emmie’s responses with simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down reactions. — Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 14 Apr. 2026 For opponents, that can feel like the tennis equivalent of a thumbs-down from a Roman emperor. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thumbs-down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thumbs-down
  1. criticism
  2. distaste
  3. disapproval
  4. condemnation
  5. rejection
  6. censure
  7. denunciation
Noun
  • Morgan has spent months answering the criticism that her title reign leans on Judgment Day interference, and WWE gave her the finish without a single outside assist at the 100-day mark of the reign.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick also leveled criticism at Wasserman Schultz, who lives in Weston.
    — Joan Murray, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of criticism
Noun
  • In his TikTok, Lemon went on to explain his distaste for Clark’s dismissal.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026
  • The results show Californians have a strong distaste for building data centers for artificial intelligence technology, and largely favor the state’s efforts to protect the environment and cut emissions — with some exceptions.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of distaste
Noun
  • There’s also internal divisions about whether the US can make a deal with Iran, as advisers eye rising gas prices, voters’ disapproval of the conflict, and the looming midterms.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 27 July 2026
  • Polls show significant public disapproval, with 71% opposing data centers in their area.
    — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of disapproval
Noun
  • This provides the freedom for faculty and students to research, debate, teach and learn without fear of retribution or condemnation.
    — Daniel Diermeier, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • The pressure is rising on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ditch a World Cup privatization plan that could draw investments up to $20 billion, but which has drawn widespread condemnation from most of soccer's worldwide governing bodies.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Definition of condemnation
Noun
  • The unprecedented proposal, aimed at accelerating investment, faced swift and broad opposition from major confederations like UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC, transforming it into a near-global rejection.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Spain’s Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla cannot be summarily returned under the enclaves’ special border-rejection regime.
    — Jamie Timson, TheWeek, 31 July 2026
Definition of rejection
Noun
  • Kelly keeps his official letter of censure from Hegseth taped to the door of his Senate office.
    — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
  • Establish that violations of the policy may be addressed publicly by the board and may result in board censure.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
Definition of censure
Noun
  • One of the few factors that could impede a Democratic wave in this year’s midterms is the party’s own unpopularity; polling suggests that plenty of voters outside college campuses might also nod along to El-Sayed’s denunciation of Democrats.
    — Russell Berman, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
  • The Iranian denunciation coincided with comments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Kyiv had ‌noted Russia ⁠was passing on to Iran its satellite observations in the Middle East to enable it to direct strikes in the region.
    — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 26 July 2026
Definition of denunciation

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Cite this Entry

“Thumbs-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumbs-down. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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