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Synonyms

thumbs-down

American  
[thuhmz-doun] / ˈθʌmzˈdaʊn /

noun

Informal.
  1. an act or instance of dissent, disapproval, etc.


Etymology

Origin of thumbs-down

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

If a product - say Viennese-style sausages from Kostelecké uzeniny or sliced bread from Penam - belongs to an Agrofert company, a thumbs-down symbol appears.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2025

He doesn’t see fit to weigh in beyond offering a thumbs-down emoji.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2025

One of the most significant tweaks to Memegen will be the removal of a virtual thumbs-down.

From New York Times • Apr. 8, 2024

I gave that motherly suggestion a quick thumbs-down.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx