brickbat
Thrown verbal attack
A brickbat is a piece of brick, especially one used as a weapon or missile.
The word extends to harsh criticism or insults hurled at someone: The proposal drew brickbats from both sides of the aisle.
Political commentary often pairs it with bouquets—brickbats for criticism, bouquets for praise.
Judgment of faults
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- disparagementCriticism meant to diminish
- vitriolBitter, scathing criticism
- barbBackward-pointing spike
rebuke · reproof · admonishment · castigation · denunciation · condemnation · reproach · invective
Self-guided airborne weapon
- stoneSolid earth fragment
- chunkThick solid piece
- fragmentIncomplete portion of whole
- rubbleBroken building fragments
debris · thrown · hurl · lob · fling · pelt · shatter · smash
Violent offensive act
- barrageSustained, overwhelming attack
- volleySimultaneous firing burst
- onslaughtFierce, overwhelming assault
- salvoSimultaneous weapons discharge
fusillade · bombardment · hail · torrent · flak · blitz · offensive · criticism
Spread or defame
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
- vilificationAbusive condemnation of someone
- calumnyMalicious false statement
aspersion · mudslinging · character assassination · denigration · traducement · obloquy · slur · innuendo
criticism
Judgment of faults
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- disparagementCriticism meant to diminish
- vitriolBitter, scathing criticism
barb · rebuke · reproof · admonishment · castigation · denunciation · condemnation · reproach · invective · opprobrium
missile
Self-guided airborne weapon
rubble · debris · thrown · hurl · lob · fling · pelt · shatter · smash · window
assault
Violent offensive act
- barrageSustained, overwhelming attack
- volleySimultaneous firing burst
- onslaughtFierce, overwhelming assault
salvo · fusillade · bombardment · hail · torrent · flak · blitz · offensive · criticism · verbal
smear
Spread or defame
- slanderSpoken false defamation
- libelPrinted defamation
- vilificationAbusive condemnation of someone
calumny · aspersion · mudslinging · character assassination · denigration · traducement · obloquy · slur · innuendo · accusation
brickbatcompliment
Words expressing approval
praise · accolade · commendation · acclaim · applause
brickbatolive branch
Symbol of reconciliation
encouragement · benediction · blessing · good wishes · warm reception