cheap shot

NOUN

defamation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

denigration disparagement

STRONG

aspersion calumny depreciation detraction dirt dump dynamite hit knock lie mud obloquy opprobrium scorcher slam slime slur smear tale traducement vilification

WEAK

backbiting backstabbing belittlement black eye character assassination dirty laundry low-down dirty slap in face

Antonyms

STRONG

compliment flattery praise

WEAK

approval commendation exaltation

NOUN

insult

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abuse affront blasphemy contempt disgrace disrespect indignity invective libel outrage put-down scorn shame slander slap slight snub taunt

STRONG

aspersion contumely derision despite discourtesy disdainfulness ignominy impertinence impudence incivility insolence mockery obloquy offense opprobrium rudeness scurrility slam superciliousness vilification vituperation

WEAK

black eye slap in the face unpleasantry

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approval compliment delight esteem flattery honor praise regard respect reverence

STRONG

happiness humility kindness politeness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Indeed, one might ask whether everyone who is presuming that Smith did not follow department procedure is taking their own cheap shot.

From Slate • Oct. 7, 2024

This in some ways can be seen as a cheap shot, easily levelled by any critic.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2024

So here’s the question: Is it fair criticism, or a cheap shot?

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2024

McIlroy birdied four of his first eight holes but couldn’t get anything going on the back nine and gave away a cheap shot when he three-putted for his fourth bogey on the 16th.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 17, 2022

“Natalie doesn’t like it either. She doesn’t like it one bit,” I say, although I know this is a cheap shot.

From "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko

cheap shot

Example Sentences

Related Words