shake one's head
Wordless no gesture
To shake one's head is to rotate it side to side, typically signaling no, disapproval, or disbelief.
The gesture can express disagreement She shook her head when asked if she wanted more, bewilderment He shook his head at the mess, or resignation I can only shake my head at this point.
Sometimes conveys wordless exasperation rather than a direct negative.
Denial of acceptance
- disdainScornful disregard
- scornHostile dismissive feeling
- frownDisapproving facial expression
- displeasureMild anger or disapproval
censure · condemnation · criticism · objection · disfavor · rebuke · reproof · tut-tut
Audible emotional breath
- wearinessState of being drained
- exasperationIntense weary annoyance
- defeatVictory over another
- acceptanceConsent to receive
futility · hopelessness · lament · disappointment · despair · give up · surrender · disillusionment
Mental disorientation or bewilderment
- puzzlementState of being baffled
- perplexityMental state of confusion
- bafflementMental state of confusion
- disorientationLoss of spatial awareness
nonplussed · befuddled · muddled · discombobulated · stumped · flummoxed · mystified · confounded
Act of declining
dismiss · rebuff · resist · disagree · contradict · reject · renounce · disavow
Intense sudden wonder
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
- doubtLack of firm belief
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
incredulity · surprise · flabbergasted · dumbfounded · astounded · gobsmacked · stunned · speechless
rejection
Denial of acceptance
displeasure · censure · condemnation · criticism · objection · disfavor · rebuke · reproof · tut-tut · thumbs-down
sigh
Audible emotional breath
- wearinessState of being drained
- exasperationIntense weary annoyance
- defeatVictory over another
acceptance · futility · hopelessness · lament · disappointment · despair · give up · surrender · disillusionment · world-weary
confusion
Mental disorientation or bewilderment
- puzzlementState of being baffled
- perplexityMental state of confusion
- bafflementMental state of confusion
disorientation · nonplussed · befuddled · muddled · discombobulated · stumped · flummoxed · mystified · confounded · at a loss
refusal
Act of declining
negation · dismiss · rebuff · resist · disagree · contradict · reject · renounce · disavow · wave off
astonishment
Intense sudden wonder
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
- doubtLack of firm belief
shock · incredulity · surprise · flabbergasted · dumbfounded · astounded · gobsmacked · stunned · speechless · aghast