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slam against

slam against

1 7.9
A strong criticism that attacks a person or idea
  • noun
  • Offensive
translation icon : ataque
  • His comments were a clear slam against the company's lack of transparency.

Examples

  • His humorous, yet witheringly biting slams against the Left and Political Correctness are a joy to behold!

    Blog text (12)
  • I think the real target is going to be hit by the title's slam against the word "material."

    Blog text (3)
  • Stop turning this into a slam against homosexuals.

    Blog text (25)
  • Gosh, this is a big slam against against basically McConnell and McCarthy here by weak people to big tech.

  • Isn't this a grand slam against sexism, in all its forms large and small?

    Blog text (10)
  • His grand slam against Roy Oswalt, who pitched briefly for Round Rock.

    Blog text (7)
  • The article was a harsh slam against the government's new policy on immigration.

  • The critic's review was a pointed slam against the film's unrealistic plot.

Synonyms

attack
vsslam against
548 3.2

Strong words that criticize someone or something

is the general term for a strong criticism without stressing force
shot
vsslam against
  • Offensive
175 5.9

A short angry remark meant to hurt or criticize someone

is broader criticism, not necessarily a quick hostile jab meant to wound
slam
vsslam against
  • Offensive
34 6.3

An insulting remark meant to hurt someone

can describe any strong criticism or attack, not only one insulting remark
bashing
vsslam against
  • NSFW
32 4.4

Harsh repeated criticism of a person or their ideas

is the single strong criticism idea without implying repetition or excess
thrust
vsslam against
31 6.7

A pointed remark meant to hurt or criticize

is the general strong criticism, not limited to brief pointed remarks
vitriol
vsslam against
  • Offensive
27 9.5

Bitter, angry language that attacks people

is a strong criticism without emphasising bitter or abusive tone
diatribe
vsslam against
23 8.5

A long angry attack in words against someone or something

is a strong criticism that need not be bitter or sustained
barb
vsslam against
  • Offensive
14 6.4

A short sharp remark meant to hurt or criticize someone

is a broad strong criticism rather than a single pointed jab
takedown
vsslam against
  • Offensive
11 7.7

A sharp remark that humiliates someone in an argument

is a strong criticism that may not aim to humiliate or end an argument
cheap shot
vsslam against
  • Informal
7 5.2

An unfair comment that attacks someone who cannot defend themselves

is a strong criticism that does not imply unfairness or targeting the helpless
brickbat
vsslam against
  • Offensive
1 9.3

A sharp insulting remark about someone or their actions

is broader, covering any strong verbal attack not just one remark
slam on
vsslam against
  • Informal
1 8.2

A strong attack in words on a person or group

is the general term for any strong verbal criticism, not just written
vitriolic remark
vsslam against
  • Offensive
8.9

A very harsh and angry comment meant to hurt someone

is a strong criticism that may be harsh but not necessarily extremely bitter
sharp-edged comment
vsslam against
  • Offensive
6.6

A remark that is harsh and meant to hurt someone's feelings

is a general strong criticism which may not aim specifically to hurt feelings

Antonyms

342 1.6

A polite remark that praises someone or something

161 1.0

Words or actions that show admiration for someone

How Harsh

smear
49 5.7
slam against
  • Offensive
1 7.9
attack
548 3.2
criticism
512 3.0
comment
1.0

Surface Forms

slam against singular
slams against plural

Morphology

slam + against

The noun 'slam' (a harsh critical remark) combined with the preposition 'against' (indicating opposition or directed at) yields a meaning that is directly and transparently compositional: a criticism directed at someone or something. This noun + preposition pattern is common in English and other languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the intended sense.

Etymology

Slam against comes from the image of someone slamming a door or object against a wall, a loud, forceful hit aimed at a target. So a 'slam against' means 'a strong criticism' or 'a verbal attack' that hits a person or idea hard.