as in criticism
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
As to whether the megaprojects bill is ultimately a thumbs-up or thumbs-down for taxpayers, Dardick said all the questions raised in the treasurer's study need to be answered.
—
Dana Kozlov, CBS News, 26 May 2026
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
Dana Kozlov, CBS News, 26 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thumbs-down
Noun
-
Both players have been regular targets for fan criticism over their attitude this term.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
-
But that market has faced growing criticism for its dependence on mass production and cultural appropriation — and a portion of travelers are responding by spending their money differently.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Many users expressed a distaste for the administration's post about the incident.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
-
In 2019, the first operator in the capital, Jump, expressed distaste that the City Council was considering such a requirement.—
Ariane Lange,
Sacbee.com,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Trump used expletives to convey his disapproval of Israel’s plans, which threatened to upend negotiations with Iran.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
-
In another poll conducted between May 22 and May 26, Trump’s disapproval rating was of 59%, two points lower than this week's poll.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The incursion was the latest in a litany of drone incidents — from both Russia and Ukraine — to afflict NATO member states and leave the 32-member trans-Atlantic organization on edge, drawing strong condemnation from Romania’s allies.—
Stephen McGrath,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
-
The dismissive language triggered outrage from the public, condemnation from unions, and questions from regulators about the extent of potential job cuts.—
Claire Zillman,
Fortune,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
New relationships will inevitably open up old wounds like abandonment and rejection.—
Sabrina Romanoff,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
-
Demie worked closely with the show’s makeup and wardrobe stylists to craft Maddy’s look, helping the character evolve from someone obsessed with being the perfect girlfriend in the first half of Season 1, to a bolder, hyper-feminine rejection of the softness her boyfriend had expected of her.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Several Democrats joined with Republicans for the censure vote.—
Fin Daniel Gómez,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
-
Coggins said the official party complaint seemed to be the strongest venue available to condemn Polis’ actions, especially since a special legislative session — with the goal of a censure by the General Assembly — seemed out of reach.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Over 200 students signed a petition demanding that Georgetown disinvite Schapiro because of his support of Israel and his denunciation of allegedly antisemitic protesters and professors on our campuses.—
Jonathan Zimmerman,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
His stance isn’t a formal denunciation, however.—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thumbs-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumbs-down. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
