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
-
Bovino, who led much of the immigration enforcement operation in Chicago and the suburbs, as well as in Minnesota before retiring this year amid criticism, declined to appear before the commission.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
The Irish comedy writer has become better known for his assertion that trans women are men and criticism of trans activism, expressed in often vituperative social media posts.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
That disinterest and distaste was easy to see during the visit.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
-
In 1988’s Moonwalk, co-edited by his friend Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Jackson acknowledged his distaste for revealing every detail about his life.—
Steve Knopper,
Rolling Stone,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In addition to opposition regarding the ongoing war with Iran, many Americans continue to also cite rising food and gas prices among reasons for their disapproval.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Strong disapproval of the tactics crossed demographic lines.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
News of the troop withdrawal drew swift condemnation from Democrats in Congress and members of a hawkish Washington think tank.—
Ben Finley,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
-
Kneecap’s exploits, meanwhile, have sparked condemnation from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and saw member Mo Chara hauled in front of a judge on terrorism charges (a case that has since been thrown out of court).—
Dean Van Nguyen,
Pitchfork,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Speaking at an event held at the Aloft Hotel in Doral, a hub for Venezuelan diaspora activism, Guanipa painted a bleak picture of conditions inside Venezuela and sharply criticized the country’s current leadership, accusing those in power of clinging to control despite widespread rejection.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
2 May 2026
-
Many researchers, clinicians and patient advocates soon rushed to RP1’s defense, claiming that the FDA had made a mistake in its rejection.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
The censure appears to be the first in recent memory at Judson ISD.—
Noah Alcala Bach,
San Antonio Express-News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Potential punishments included a reprimand or a censure, which serve as forms of public rebuke.—
Kevin Freking,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Jefferson’s first draft contained a hundred-and-sixty-eight-word denunciation of the transatlantic slave trade, which was excised from the final text.—
Jelani Cobb,
New Yorker,
4 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 7 May. 2026.
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