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 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 An expert with a leading digital-rights organization had further advice–after a thumbs-down for Meta’s conduct. — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 26 June 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 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 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
  • The legislation faced sharp criticism at home and abroad, and thousands of Slovaks repeatedly took to the streets to protest the law.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Asked about the greenwashing criticism, a Council spokesperson said companies active in the fossil fuel sector can still contribute to the transition, for example by developing low-carbon fuels or building electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
    — Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of criticism
Noun
  • There is no national mood, just a mélange of anomie, distaste, and derangement.
    — Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 5 July 2026
  • His distaste for the wealthy is not an uncommon feeling in the country, his defense argued.
    — Sierra Van Der Brug, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026
Definition of distaste
Noun
  • Trump's overall job approval has fallen to approximately 40%, with 57% disapproval — numbers that Brookings Institution analysts say, if sustained through November, would be sufficient to flip the House to Democratic control.
    — Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Some users in the comments expressed disapproval of Rowling's visit due to previous comments that many deemed to be transphobic.
    — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 30 June 2026
Definition of disapproval
Noun
  • Following an inspection in March, the city issued a formal notice of condemnation and order to vacate, as only about 17% of the rooms inspected passed.
    — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • The admission drew immediate condemnation from Democratic lawmakers.
    — Ana Ceballos Follow, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of condemnation
Noun
  • Using basic academic terminology would place grants at risk of rejection or termination on political grounds.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
  • That persisted into 2026 amid disagreements over the Russian war on Ukraine, including Meloni’s rejection of a proposal by Britain and France to send European troops there following a possible ceasefire.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of rejection
Noun
  • After passing the Resolutions Committee of the South Dakota GOP, the censure was overwhelmingly voted down, with opponents saying the measure would only help Democrats.
    — Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 26 June 2026
  • The House’s periodic descent into politically motivated censure votes, however, could propel them to make a change next year.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 16 June 2026
Definition of censure
Noun
  • The bicentennial occurred during an election year, with all the partisan denunciations that entails (though when Jimmy Carter narrowly beat Ford, no one thought of contesting the results).
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Three words The lengthiest denunciation of Tyndale’s translation came from More, the English humanist who was King Henry VIII’s leading political official.
    — Michael Bruening, The Conversation, 30 June 2026
Definition of denunciation

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thumbs
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Cite this Entry

“Thumbs-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumbs-down. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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