THUMBS-DOWN Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

thumbs-down

noun

Definition of thumbs-down

as in criticism

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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 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 The Department of Justice and the Treasury subjected the question of whether the change could be made without congressional action to their gimlet-eyed scrutiny, and turned thumbs-down. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 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

Noun

The latest appearance will do little to quell criticism of Infantino, who is standing currently unopposed for re-election as FIFA president.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 18 July 2026
On top of that, Saka downplayed all the criticisms of Tuchel coming into Saturday’s match.

— Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Definition of criticism

Noun

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
Even Musk has acknowledged the public distaste for AI data centers and power plants to run them.

— Lora Kolodny,Jeniece Pettitt, CNBC, 16 July 2026

Definition of distaste

Noun

In late May, his disapproval rate hit 60 percent, and currently sits at 58 percent, compared with 39 percent approval.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 19 July 2026
The opposition party has been vocal in its disapproval of Miliband potentially becoming Chancellor, and his stance on restricting the extraction of North Sea oil has raised concern internationally.

— Callum Sutherland, Time, 17 July 2026

Definition of disapproval

Noun

This means private landowners may have more success challenging condemnation actions under their state constitutions than in federal court.

— Aaron Walayat, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
Beneath the memoir runs a steady defense of everyday Beirutis and, equally, a condemnation of the world that distances itself from their pain.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2026

Definition of condemnation

Noun

The fact that she was passed over for a promotion by the genial yet unimpressive Baasu (Kunal Dudheker) is not revelatory — women often face these kinds of rejections where qualifications are no substitute for hierarchical comfort.

— David John Chávez, Mercury News, 17 July 2026
Despite the feeling of discouragement that can come with the rejections and even ghostings applicants face, these internships — though sometimes few and far between — still exist.

— Cami Fateh, Vogue, 15 July 2026

Definition of rejection

Noun

His denunciation so incensed far-right Israelis that a number of activists were detained while protesting his son’s bar mitzvah in Jerusalem the next year, Emanuel recalled.

— Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Three words The lengthiest denunciation of Tyndale’s translation came from More, the English humanist who was King Henry VIII’s leading political official.

— Michael Bruening, The Conversation, 30 June 2026

Definition of denunciation

Browse Nearby Words

thumbs

thumbs-down

thumbs-downs

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Style

“Thumbs-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumbs-down. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of thumbs-down

noun

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