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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for thumbs-down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thumbs-down

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

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
Even Musk has acknowledged the public distaste for AI data centers and power plants to run them.

— Lora Kolodny,Jeniece Pettitt, CNBC, 16 July 2026

Definition of distaste

Noun

In late May, his disapproval rate hit 60 percent, and currently sits at 58 percent, compared with 39 percent approval.

— Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 19 July 2026
The opposition party has been vocal in its disapproval of Miliband potentially becoming Chancellor, and his stance on restricting the extraction of North Sea oil has raised concern internationally.

— Callum Sutherland, Time, 17 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

These June 30 rejections include supplemental health benefits, a night shift differential, geographic pay differential, a recruitment and retention proposal, seniority differential and overtime meal benefits, according to the complaint.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
So where does this incredibly predictable rejection leave Golden State?

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 July 2026

Definition of rejection

Noun

Russia withdrew from the convention in 2025 following denunciations by other Ramsar members of the war in Ukraine and its destructive effects on wetlands in that country.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
His denunciation so incensed far-right Israelis that a number of activists were detained while protesting his son’s bar mitzvah in Jerusalem the next year, Emanuel recalled.

— Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of thumbs-down

noun

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