Words Of Criticism

verb to publicly denounce or criticize something

• Many experts decry the government's lack of action on climate change.
• I heard some people decry the new policy at work.
• She's always decrying everything, it's so annoying.
• The artist's work subtly decry societal norms and expectations.

noun A person's opinion or perspective on something, often negative or critical

• The board members took a dim view of the company's financial performance.
• My parents take a dim view of me staying out late with my friends.
• The teacher took a dim view of us talking during class.
• She always takes a dim view of people who don't recycle.

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

• The board of directors disapprove of the new marketing strategy.
• My parents disapprove of my choice to major in art history.
• She disapproves of his new haircut, calling it 'totally whack.'
• The teacher's raised eyebrow was enough to silently disapprove of the student's behavior.

verb to have or express an unfavorable opinion or judgment about something

• The board of directors may disapprove of the proposed budget.
• My parents always disapprove of my choice in music.
• She totally disapproves of his new haircut.
• The old guard disapproves of any changes to the tradition.

verb to have a negative opinion of or reject something; to not approve of

adjective expressing or showing disapproval

• The committee disapproved of the proposed budget cuts.
• My parents disapproved of my decision to drop out of college.
• She disapproved of his outfit, calling it 'totally whack.'
• The artist's bold new painting style was initially disapproved by critics, but eventually gained widespread acclaim.

noun an insulting or abusive word or expression

• The politician's speech was filled with invective towards his opponent.
• She couldn't believe the invective comments he made about her.
• He was spewing invective like a madman.
• The invective in his words cut deeper than any physical blow.

noun disgrace or discredit brought upon someone or something

• The politician faced a storm of obloquy after being caught in a corruption scandal.
• She couldn't handle the obloquy from her classmates after the embarrassing incident.
• The celebrity couldn't escape the obloquy from the tabloids.
• The artist endured years of obloquy before finally being recognized for their talent.

adjective expressing disapproval or disappointment

• She shot him a reproachful look when he arrived late to the meeting.
• My mom gave me a reproachful glare when she saw the mess in my room.
• He gave me a reproachful side-eye when I accidentally spilled my drink on him.
• The old painting seemed to cast a reproachful gaze on anyone who dared to touch it.

adjective An adjective that describes something as not flattering or favorable.

adverb An adverb that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb to indicate that something is not complimentary.

• The critic's review was full of uncomplimentary remarks about the actor's performance.
• She couldn't help but make uncomplimentary comments about her coworker's outfit.
• The online trolls were posting uncomplimentary memes about the politician.
• His uncomplimentary words were like daggers to her heart.

adjective not concealed or hidden; in plain view

• The politician's undisguised contempt for his opponent was evident in his speech.
• She couldn't hide her undisguised excitement when she saw the surprise party.
• I could see the undisguised jealousy in her eyes when she found out about the promotion.
• His undisguised emotions were like an open book for everyone to read.