Detractor: meaning, example and synonyms

Detractorn. A person who criticizes or tries to belittle someone or something.

Flashcard for Detractor (noun): a person who criticizes or tries to belittle someone or something. Example: Even the novel's detractors conceded that its final chapter was powerful, though they faulted the slow pace of the earlier sections. Synonyms: critic, opponent, disparager, faultfinder. Antonyms: supporter, advocate, champion, admirer. Memory tip: de- ("away") + tract ("pull"): someone who pulls your reputation down. Illustration: a painter at an easel while one fully clothed onlooker frowns with crossed arms and others smile.

Example

Even the novel's detractors conceded that its final chapter was powerful, though they faulted the slow pace of the earlier sections.

Part of speech
noun
Synonyms
critic, opponent, disparager, faultfinder
Antonyms
supporter, advocate, champion, admirer
Memory tip
de- ("away") + tract ("pull"): someone who pulls your reputation down.

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Check yourself: Detractor in context

Pick the word that best completes each text, as on the SAT's words-in-context questions.

Question 1

Even the composer's harshest ______ admitted that her symphony's final movement was a technical triumph.

Question 2

Supporters of the bridge project praised its design, while its ______ warned that the budget had been badly underestimated.

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