hatchet job

noun

Definition of hatchet jobnext
as in criticism

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hatchet job This hatchet job does not follow the rules of law, has no analysis or actual auditing done to support actions and tramples on the rights of government employees. — Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025 Neither hagiography nor hatchet job, the movie casts an understanding eye on a once-infamous musical artist who weathered dizzying highs and devastating lows. — Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2024 No amount of mainstream media hatchet jobs can disguise those optics. — David Medina, Hartford Courant, 18 Nov. 2024 Trump supporters say the potential prosecution is a politically motivated hatchet job disconnected from the law. — Joseph Morton, Dallas News, 22 Mar. 2023 Later, the scene is recut as a hatchet job on social media that leads to Tár’s downfall. — Jordan Riefe, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hatchet job
  1. criticism
  2. attack
  3. denunciation
  4. censure
  5. abuse
  6. contempt
  7. disdain
  8. invective
Noun
  • The decision has also drawn criticism from Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
    — Marlow Stern, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The conclusions are non-binding and face criticism, and the ultimate approval is up to the judge.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of criticism
Noun
  • In Congo, where the outbreak has spread to seven provinces, responders have faced attacks on health teams, misinformation about the virus, a failure by locals to report symptoms and rebel violence that has limited access to treatment centers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • An inmate died in an apparent homicide Tuesday morning after an attack by another prisoner at California State Prison, Sacramento, state corrections officials said.
    — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • Each nutty denunciation of his imaginary tormentors includes a plea for a presidential pardon.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The initiative comes amid criticism of Mamdani’s denunciations of Israel.
    — Anthony Izaguirre, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of denunciation
Noun
  • The board is also expected to consider whether to launch an investigation into the allegations and consider a censure vote.
    — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Once rare, censures and expulsions have become more common, particularly in the House.
    — Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of censure
Noun
  • Men shouted abuse from car windows or tried to bribe him with money, drugs, even girlfriends.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The department said ALPRs have led to the arrests of suspects in cases of homicide, theft, child abuse, burglary and among other crimes.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of abuse
Noun
  • In Wednesday’s court filing, attorneys for the detainees asked a federal judge to hold the government in civil contempt for violating the order and to impose daily fines of $500 for each violation until they are addressed.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Congress could claw back some of its authority if committee chairs were prepared to subpoena those who refuse to testify, direct witnesses to answer pertinent questions, and pursue contempt proceedings against uncooperative witnesses.
    — David Wippman, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of contempt
Noun
  • The president’s disdain for James stems from her high-profile civil fraud investigations into his business dealings.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Hazle Township residents’ disdain for the $10,000 incentive is just the tip of the iceberg, Cook said.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of disdain
Noun
  • Alongside his criticisms of Britain, the Argentine president devoted some invective to the United Nations itself.
    — Adrienne Vogt, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than Ole Miss run out alone and receive the invective, the Rebels waited for Arkansas to run out, then finally took the field.
    — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of invective

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Cite this Entry

“Hatchet job.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hatchet%20job. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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