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
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
The evening prior, a clip of Justin Bieber in full Jays gear went viral after the Swag singer was seen responding to one of Shohei Ohtani‘s home runs with a thumbs-down.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025
These sites cut against the stereotypical image of a critic as an expert dispensing a thumbs-up or thumbs-down like a Roman emperor.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025
However, users can mark any ad with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to help manage their ads preferences.
—Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
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
The evening prior, a clip of Justin Bieber in full Jays gear went viral after the Swag singer was seen responding to one of Shohei Ohtani‘s home runs with a thumbs-down.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2025
These sites cut against the stereotypical image of a critic as an expert dispensing a thumbs-up or thumbs-down like a Roman emperor.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025
However, users can mark any ad with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to help manage their ads preferences.
—Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thumbs-down
Noun
-
China’s Hong Kong and Macau affairs office issued a scathing criticism of the Panama Supreme Court’s ruling that CK Hutchison’s contract to operate two Panama Canal-adjacent ports is unconstitutional—further ramping up international rhetoric surrounding the future of the gateways.—
Sourcing Journal,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Louvre Museum tightens security measures News of the robbery shocked the world and sparked criticism over the museum's inadequate security and crumbling infrastructure.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The pro football experts pretty much agree with me, their distaste for this franchise leading to its renowned owner and legendary coach being snubbed in in recent voting for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The election of Pope Francis, in 2013—and his distaste for the culture wars—left Dolan sidelined in Rome.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The survey showed Lamont with an approval rating of 63%, compared to a disapproval rate of 30%.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Starmer has a 71 percent disapproval rating and leads the least popular British government since World War II.—
Idrees Kahloon,
The Atlantic,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Condolences and condemnation also poured in from various embassies in Islamabad.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Feb. 2026
-
More than 30 people were killed in the clashes, prompting condemnation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who invoked the country’s peaceful heritage.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
People who have taken corticosteroid medicines for conditions like seizures, gastric reflux, cancer and transplant rejection are more susceptible, as are those with celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver disease, multiple myeloma and rheumatoid arthritis.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
-
That is usually a sign of imminent death for a bill, and most legislators prefer to avoid the humiliation of public rejection.—
Steve Bousquet,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Across Europe, officials have had or resign or face censure after the Epstein files revealed relationships that were more extensive than previously disclosed.—
Jill Lawless,
Fortune,
7 Feb. 2026
-
At the time of his censure, Wyatt was vice chairman.—
Reed Williams,
AJC.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Other Canadian Jewish groups offered stronger denunciations of the new approach.—
Grace Gilson,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The killings have stoked massive protests, heated denunciations of ICE from Democrats and pleas for de-escalation from business leaders.—
Kevin Breuninger,
CNBC,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thumbs-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumbs-down. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
