headshake
Wordless negative gesture
A headshake is a side-to-side movement of the head, typically signaling no, disapproval, or disbelief.
It can convey disagreement without words: She answered with a headshake.
A headshake may also express exasperation or bewilderment: He could only respond with a slow headshake at the absurdity of it all.
Opposite of yes
- declineDecrease or refuse
- rejectDismiss as unsuitable
- denialRefusal to accept reality
- rebuffAbrupt, curt rejection
turndown · nay · veto · nonacceptance · spurn · refusal · dismissal · brush-off
Lack of firm belief
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- suspicionSense of unease about motives
- incredulityInability to accept something
- distrustAbsence of confidence
hesitation · uncertainty · wariness · quizzical · misgivings · reservation · dubiousness · unconvinced
Disapproving facial expression
- scowlAngry facial expression
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- displeasureMild anger or disapproval
disfavor · rebuke · reprimand · discontent · tut-tut · tsk · grimace · admonishment
Brief head tilt
- body languageUnspoken physical expression
- nonverbalNot using speech
- signalingConveying information nonverbally
- expressionConveyed thought or feeling
communication · motion · movement · sway · tilt · wobble · turn · pivot
Inability to accept something
- astonishmentIntense sudden wonder
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- bewildermentState of being baffled
stupefaction · dismay · wonder · surprise · bafflement · perplexity · confusion · puzzlement
no
Opposite of yes
rebuff · turndown · nay · veto · nonacceptance · spurn · refusal · dismissal · brush-off · cold shoulder
doubt
Lack of firm belief
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- suspicionSense of unease about motives
- incredulityInability to accept something
distrust · hesitation · uncertainty · wariness · quizzical · misgivings · reservation · dubiousness · unconvinced · leery
frown
Disapproving facial expression
- scowlAngry facial expression
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
displeasure · disfavor · rebuke · reprimand · discontent · tut-tut · tsk · grimace · admonishment · scolding
nod
Brief head tilt
- body languageUnspoken physical expression
- nonverbalNot using speech
- signalingConveying information nonverbally
expression · communication · motion · movement · sway · tilt · wobble · turn · pivot · side-to-side
incredulity
Inability to accept something
- astonishmentIntense sudden wonder
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
bewilderment · stupefaction · dismay · wonder · surprise · bafflement · perplexity · confusion · puzzlement · flabbergasted
- disapprovaldisapproval, scowl, disapprove, disapproves, frown
- gesturesgesture, hand gestures, applause, hand raise, tap on shoulder
- nonmanualseyebrow raise, facial expression, eye gaze, furrowed brow, brow furrow
- interjectionsah, hey, aha, sheesh, oh
- reactionsreaction, response, gasp, wince, flinch
- signalssignal, signals, signaling, sign, waved