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
  • Carlson has faced criticism for interviewing Holocaust revisionist Darryl Cooper in 2024 and white nationalist Nick Fuentes, who has repeatedly denied the Holocaust, made antisemitic comments, and praised Adolf Hitler.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The statement came only after Thomas called out the commissioner, intensifying criticism that the league had been reactive throughout the controversy.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of criticism
Noun
  • Some have also shared with me a profound distaste for how their friends and family are using AI for therapy and companionship, and a deep concern for their future employment prospects.
    — Dónal Gill, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026
  • But all of that distaste was supposed to go away when the games began, when the undefeated and delicious product that is college football finally got the chance to shove the ancillary stuff back into the shadows.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of distaste
Noun
  • The Huskies let their disapproval linger and, on the very next play, allowed a 57-yard touchdown to a tight end.
    — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The war powers act seeks to provide clarity by requiring the president, within 60 days of any such action, to seek approval — or risk disapproval — from Congress.
    — Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of disapproval
Noun
  • Videos also surfaced allegedly showing two teachers being attacked by students, provoking condemnation from the French president and officials as well as teaching unions.
    — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Recent campaign filings by the Yes on Proposition 45 campaign revealed two donations that quickly drew condemnations from Democratic leaders.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of condemnation
Noun
  • His concurrence read the panel’s decision as narrower than a categorical rejection of federal access.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
  • However, the film faced rejection from film festivals like Sundance and SXSW, and struggled to secure traditional studio distribution because of its controversial, pitch-black satirical premise about school shootings and social media.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of rejection
Noun
  • 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
  • Once rare, censures and expulsions have become more common, particularly in the House.
    — Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of censure
Noun
  • The initiative comes amid criticism of Mamdani’s denunciations of Israel.
    — Anthony Izaguirre, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani debuted a sweeping plan Tuesday to combat antisemitism and hate crimes against Jewish people in New York City, moving to assuage lingering concerns from critics who see his steadfast denunciations of Israel as antisemitic.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 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 5 Oct. 2026.

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