criticize

crit·i·cize

verb \ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz\

crit·i·cizedcrit·i·ciz·ing

Definition of CRITICIZE

intransitive verb

: to act as a critic

transitive verb

1

: to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly : evaluate

2

: to find fault with : point out the faults of

— crit·i·ciz·able \-ˌsī-zə-bəl\ adjective

— crit·i·ciz·er noun

Examples of CRITICIZE

1. His boss criticized him for his sloppy work habits.
2. The judge was widely criticized for his verdict.
3. The editor criticized the author's work as trite.
4. It seems as though all he ever does is criticize.

First Known Use of CRITICIZE

1643

Related to CRITICIZE

Synonyms

blame, censure, condemn, denounce, dis (also diss) [slang], dispraise, fault, knock, pan, reprehend, slag [chiefly British], come down hard (on), find fault (with), take to task

Antonyms

extol (also extoll), laud, praise

Related Words

skewer, tweak; assail, attack, blast, clobber, slam, slash; nick (at), snipe (at); beef, bellyache, bitch, carp, cavil, complain, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, kick, kvetch, moan, murmur, mutter, niggle, quibble, whine; admonish, chide, drub, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reprove; berate, castigate, crucify, excoriate, flay, gibbet, hammer, keelhaul, lambaste (or lambast), lash, pillory, scold, upbraid; bad-mouth, belittle, decry, deride, discommend, disparage, put down

Near Antonyms

approve, commend, endorse (also indorse), recommend, sanction

Synonym Discussion of CRITICIZE

criticize, reprehend, censure, reprobate, condemn, denounce mean to find fault with openly. criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions <criticized the police for using violence>. reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking <reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students>. censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding <a Senator formally censured by his peers>. reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction <reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle>. condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment <condemned the government's racial policies>. denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration <a pastoral letter denouncing abortion>.