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 Greg’s smile, contrasted with the frowns and thumbs-down from the rest of the crew, makes for an entertaining visual. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026 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 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
  • The decision has also drawn criticism from Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
    — Marlow Stern, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The conclusions are non-binding and face criticism, and the ultimate approval is up to the judge.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of criticism
Noun
  • Samantha Sloyan is aware of the distaste for some of her past characters.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Wiseman says the show has yet to specifically talk about Bram Stoker’s bloodthirsty Count Dracula, but Port says the Halloween episode will discuss the coven’s distaste for vampire stereotypes.
    — Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of distaste
Noun
  • What readers are saying The comments express strong disapproval of Pete Hegseth's plan to livestream an execution, criticizing it as inhumane and a historical low for the country.
    — Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But the sly, observant film inches toward other sources of Tor’s disapproval of the trip.
    — Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of disapproval
Noun
  • The film is admirably committed to documenting this lifestyle without much idealization or condemnation.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The comments drew swift condemnation from California leaders, even as the White House communications director, Steven Cheung, insisted the president’s remarks had been taken out of context.
    — Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of condemnation
Noun
  • In her rejection of stereotypically female fashion and her flair for the dramatic, Sanjak definitely would have fit in at Le Monocle.
    — Gaby Iori October 7, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
  • In April, Americans for Financial Reform’s Education Fund released a study stating that the bank’s mortgage rejection rates for minorities in Charlotte and North Carolina far outpaced those of white applicants.
    — Chase Jordan October 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of rejection
Noun
  • Football—besides being one of our more ubiquitous and unrestrained national entertainments—has also become one of the rare arenas in American life where highly specialized language can flourish without censure.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The board is also expected to consider whether to launch an investigation into the allegations and consider a censure vote.
    — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of censure
Noun
  • Each nutty denunciation of his imaginary tormentors includes a plea for a presidential pardon.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The initiative comes amid criticism of Mamdani’s denunciations of Israel.
    — Anthony Izaguirre, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of denunciation

Browse Nearby Words

thumbs
thumbs-down
thumbs-downs
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Cite this Entry

“Thumbs-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumbs-down. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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