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 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

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

At first the owner stared at him blankly, then flashed a look of distaste, as if a dirty rodent had brushed his foot.

— Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of distaste

Noun

Johnson does good work committing to the bit here, too, barreling forward despite her friends’ alarm and disapproval.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2026
In Argentina, despite a burgeoning hydrocarbon sector, higher energy costs have renewed inflation concerns and created a headache for Milei, whose disapproval rating spiked to 63 percent in late April, up from 49 percent at the start of the year.

— DAN RESTREPO, Foreign Affairs, 30 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

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

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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“Thumbs-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumbs-down. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of thumbs-down

noun

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