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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thumbs-down
Noun
-
Verbeek’s trade with Philadelphia to acquire Gauthier in January 2024 has been widely praised, but his decision to ship center Trevor Zegras to the Flyers last summer has received criticism while Zegras thrives in Philadelphia.—
Greg Beacham,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The sheriff previously declined to honor certain federal immigration detainers, drawing criticism from state lawmakers and prompting legislative changes.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In an expletive-laden email to Bloomberg, Lee expressed his distaste for the media, as well as ARR as a metric for startup growth.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among those expressing distaste for the headliner selection.—
Neda Ulaby,
NPR,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Granbury City Council chambers was nearly overflowing with people Tuesday evening as residents came out to speak on the agenda items and voice their disapproval and disappointment.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The bill passed the House floor 62-28 in March with bipartisan support and disapproval.—
Alexia Aston,
Oklahoman,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
His quest to fly causes troubles in his family, condemnation from the conservative society and even warnings from the security personnel in the city as flying in Diyarbakir is a security concern for the state.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The event's organizers had been under mounting pressure from sponsors and politicians to cancel the gigs by the rapper, who has drawn widespread condemnation for making antisemitic remarks and voicing admiration for Adolf Hitler.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This election could reshape not just Hungary but signal a broader European rejection of the illiberal, nationalist movements Orbán inspired among the global far-right.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
As GLP-1s become more ubiquitous, leading many to scramble after insurance rejections, both manufacturers are looking to draw in more customers who either prefer to avoid a needle or were unable to swing the out-of-pocket price.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
After the Easter break, her case could be heard by the full Committee on Ethics, which has an array of options ranging from a public censure to expulsion.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
-
In April, the committee will recommend a punishment to be voted on by the full House, something that could range from a censure, removal from committees, or expulsion itself.—
Barbara Sprunt,
NPR,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Ghio’s testimony in support of a controversial homeschool oversight bill at a public hearing two weeks ago turned a routine confirmation debate into a brief, if heated, defense of homeschoolers and denunciation of Ghio.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
26 Mar. 2026
-
This fit neatly into a wider culture of denunciation that took hold after 2022.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thumbs-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumbs-down. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
