as in criticism
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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
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
Google is also asking users to give feedback about personalization via the thumbs-down button.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026
However, users can mark any ad with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to help manage their ads preferences.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026
Drivers honked their horns in support, while supporters gave thumbs-down reactions to those frequenting the coffee chain.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 23 Nov. 2025
When asked who is the better cook, the pair hilariously reacted by both making faces and giving thumbs-down signs.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
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
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
Google is also asking users to give feedback about personalization via the thumbs-down button.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026
However, users can mark any ad with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to help manage their ads preferences.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 8 Jan. 2026
Drivers honked their horns in support, while supporters gave thumbs-down reactions to those frequenting the coffee chain.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 23 Nov. 2025
When asked who is the better cook, the pair hilariously reacted by both making faces and giving thumbs-down signs.
—Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thumbs-down
Noun
-
The most contentious and controversial being some very pointed criticisms of Ole Miss, his former school.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
-
At the same time, some of the party’s campaign committees in Washington quietly provide logistical support in some cases, while avoiding public criticism of the independent candidates even in some races where there is a Democratic nominee.—
Steve Peoples,
Fortune,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
But distaste is found across the political spectrum, Gallup says.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
15 May 2026
-
Thirteen years later, his distaste for the self-assuredness of tech leaders who reassured him all would be good seems prescient.—
Ron Kampeas,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
This short statement of disapproval made headlines, and was seen as part of what drove Le Graët to resign soon after.—
Aidan McLaughlin,
Vanity Fair,
12 May 2026
-
Trump’s disapproval rating is climbing as well, hitting a record 62% in a new poll, said Scott Clement and Dan Balz in The Washington Post.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
The country’s recent bombardment of Lebanon, killing thousands in response to Hezbollah strikes launched after joint US-Israeli strikes assassinated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has also drawn widespread condemnation internationally.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
-
Bowie’s back-to-back conflicts with legislative aides have drawn quiet condemnation from some City Hall staff, who have questioned her handling of sensitive workplace situations while celebrating women, diversity and public service.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The boot in question obviously isn’t a pink slip or a rejection notice.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
-
Was Sykes hurt by her daughter’s Ricci-rejection?—
Liana Satenstein,
Vogue,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The two other Republican candidates who were nearly disqualified earlier this week, Russ Wojtkiewicz and Gena Ross, were not included in the censure.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
-
The censure appears to be the first in recent memory at Judson ISD.—
Noah Alcala Bach,
San Antonio Express-News,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In any event, denunciations of war have been a constant in Leo’s ministry (and in that of recent Popes).—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
-
In exile, Carvajal began making grandiose denunciations of Maduro on his personal blog (now taken down) and on social media.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thumbs-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumbs-down. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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