critic

1 of 2

noun (1)

crit·​ic ˈkri-tik 

1

a

: one who engages often professionally in the analysis, evaluation, or appreciation of works of art or artistic performances

a literary critic

a film critic

a theater critic

b

: one who expresses a reasoned opinion on any matter especially involving a judgment of its value, truth, righteousness, beauty, or technique

Critics of the new law say that it will not reduce crime.

2

: one given to harsh or captious judgment

a fierce critic of immigration policies

critic

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

archaic : criticism

2

archaic : critique

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• carper
• castigator
• caviler
• caviller
• censurer
• criticizer
• disparager
• faultfinder
• hypercritic
• knocker
• niggler
• nitpicker

Examples of critic in a Sentence

Noun (1)

the president's hard-core critics are going to attack him no matter what he does

the restaurant critic said that the fries at that fast-food outlet were the worst she'd ever eaten

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While Georgia was given official candidate status for EU membership in 2023, critics say the foreign agents bill is incompatible with European values of democracy and free speech. —Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 13 May 2024

Former Union-Tribune art critic Robert Pincus will interview Moore about her work and there will be Colombian food and music. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2024

Memphis freelance journalist and music critic Justin Davis has been closely watching the beef. —Bob Mehr, USA TODAY, 11 May 2024

Read More: What to Know About India’s 2024 Election As India wraps up the third phase of a grueling six-week election, the timing of the study’s publication has raised eyebrows among critics and demographic experts at a time when the BJP is seen to be openly campaigning on anti-Muslim rhetoric. —Astha Rajvanshi, TIME, 10 May 2024

The 1994 Chicago Magazine profile also referenced a famous screed that Albini wrote directed at rock critic Bill Wyman of the Chicago Reader – not to be confused with the former bassist from The Rolling Stones. —Todd Feurer, CBS News, 9 May 2024

Some critics argue the DEA shouldn’t change course on marijuana, saying rescheduling isn’t necessary and could lead to harmful side effects. —Zeke Miller, Fortune, 30 Apr. 2024

The final task is to cook a three-course meal for critics and family. —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 30 Apr. 2024

The latest critic of the myriad of EU regulations is Börje Ekholm, president and CEO of Swedish telecom and equipment company Ericsson. —Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 30 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

borrowed from Latin criticus, borrowed from Greek kritikós, derivative of kritikós, adjective, "discerning, capable of judging," from kritós "separated, picked out" (verbal adjective of krī́nein "to separate, choose, decide, judge") + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at certain entry 1

Noun (2)

borrowed from French critique critique entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Noun (2)

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing critic

• textual critic

Kids Definition

critic

noun

crit·​ic

ˈkrit-ik

1

: a person who makes or gives a judgment of the value, worth, beauty, or excellence of something

2

: faultfinder