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 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 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
  1. criticism
  2. distaste
  3. disapproval
  4. condemnation
  5. rejection
  6. censure
  7. denunciation
Noun
  • However, criticism comes with the territory for quarterbacks, and Madsen has faced his share — mostly over his size and arm strength.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 26 July 2026
  • The allegation was just part of a drumbeat of US criticism over the cartels’ political protection rackets.
    — Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of criticism
Noun
  • In his TikTok, Lemon went on to explain his distaste for Clark’s dismissal.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of distaste
Noun
  • There’s also internal divisions about whether the US can make a deal with Iran, as advisers eye rising gas prices, voters’ disapproval of the conflict, and the looming midterms.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 27 July 2026
  • Polls show significant public disapproval, with 71% opposing data centers in their area.
    — Robert J. Szczerba, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of disapproval
Noun
  • There’s always a ready audience, especially when the pesky Jewish state of Israel loudly refuses to join the chorus of condemnation and defends itself with force.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
  • Advertisement Some of Takaichi’s past remarks around work have drawn condemnation from the National Defense Counsel for Victims of Karoshi, which is led by Hiroshi Kawahito, an attorney who represented Takahashi’s family.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 July 2026
Definition of condemnation
Noun
  • The unprecedented proposal, aimed at accelerating investment, faced swift and broad opposition from major confederations like UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC, transforming it into a near-global rejection.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Spain’s Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla cannot be summarily returned under the enclaves’ special border-rejection regime.
    — Jamie Timson, TheWeek, 31 July 2026
Definition of rejection
Noun
  • Kelly keeps his official letter of censure from Hegseth taped to the door of his Senate office.
    — Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
  • Establish that violations of the policy may be addressed publicly by the board and may result in board censure.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
Definition of censure
Noun
  • One of the few factors that could impede a Democratic wave in this year’s midterms is the party’s own unpopularity; polling suggests that plenty of voters outside college campuses might also nod along to El-Sayed’s denunciation of Democrats.
    — Russell Berman, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
  • The Iranian denunciation coincided with comments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Kyiv had ‌noted Russia ⁠was passing on to Iran its satellite observations in the Middle East to enable it to direct strikes in the region.
    — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 26 July 2026
Definition of denunciation

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thumbs
thumbs-down
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Cite this Entry

“Thumbs-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumbs-down. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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