Detractor: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to someone who consistently undervalues or criticizes someone or something, often unfairly or without solid reasoning. This word often carries a negative connotation.

• Despite the athlete's success, his detractors continued to belittle his achievements.
• She faced harsh words from her detractors after the project's failure.

Applicable in situations where someone offers detailed and constructive analysis or judgments about the merits and faults of someone or something. Can be neutral or positive.

• The film received praise from critics for its innovative storyline.
• As a music critic, he has a keen ear for exceptional performances.

Suitable when referring to someone who is actively competing against or opposing someone or something in a direct and confrontational way, often in sports, debates, or conflicts. This term can be neutral.

• Her opponent in the chess tournament was highly skilled and experienced.
• During the debate, he faced tough questions from his primary opponent.

Use when someone disagrees with the majority opinion or official stance, often in a formal or organized context. This term is neutral and focuses on the aspect of disagreement.

• The policy was met with resistance from several dissenters within the organization.
• As a dissenter, she voiced her opposition to the new regulations during the meeting.

Refers to someone who habitually expresses a negative outlook, skepticism, or opposition, typically in a way that discourages others. This word has a negative connotation.

• He tried to ignore the naysayers who doubted his plans for the new startup.
• While many supported the initiative, there were always a few naysayers predicting failure.

Used when someone consistently criticizes or diminishes another person's achievements or qualities, often unfairly.

• Despite his numerous contributions to the project, his detractors continued to spread negativity about his work

Describes a person who makes false spoken statements that damage someone's reputation. It is often used in a legal context concerning verbal defamation.

• She threatened to take legal action against the slanderer who was spreading lies about her

Indicates someone who maliciously lies or spreads false information to harm someone's reputation. It has a strongly negative implication.

• The politician accused his opponent of being a maligner, spreading unfounded rumors

Refers to someone who makes false statements about another person in order to ruin their reputation, often used in legal contexts.

• The journalist was sued for being a defamer after publishing fake news about the celebrity

Applied to someone who speaks ill of others behind their backs, typically in a mean-spirited way. It has a very negative connotation.

• She discovered that her colleague was a backbiter who gossiped about everyone in the office