criticism
noun
crit·i·cism
ˈkri-tə-ˌsi-zəm 
1
a
: the act of criticizing usually unfavorably
seeking encouragement rather than criticism
b
: a critical observation or remark
an unfair criticism
had a minor criticism of the design
c
: critique
2
: the art of evaluating or analyzing works of art or literature
also
: writings expressing such evaluation or analysis
an anthology of literary criticism
3
: the scientific investigation of literary documents (such as the Bible) in regard to such matters as origin, text, composition, or history
Examples of criticism in a Sentence
There was much public criticism directed at the senator.
In this job you need to be able to take criticism.
I asked my sister for some constructive criticism of my essay before I tried to revise it.
I had one minor criticism about her design.
Recent Examples on the Web
The takeover offer, which would make Sunway the country’s biggest property and construction firm, has also sparked public criticism.
—
Ian Sayson, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Her essays and criticism have appeared in the New York Times, New York Magazine, The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, Esquire, The New Republic, and more.
—Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Camp East Montana has drawn criticism from Texas Democratic lawmakers and the ACLU, who have voiced concern over the detainee deaths, migrant treatment and living conditions.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026
Students criticize graduation proposal The graduation plan drew immediate criticism from students, who said the district failed to communicate clearly with families.
—Anna McAllister, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for criticism
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Ian Sayson, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Her essays and criticism have appeared in the New York Times, New York Magazine, The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, Esquire, The New Republic, and more.
—Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Camp East Montana has drawn criticism from Texas Democratic lawmakers and the ACLU, who have voiced concern over the detainee deaths, migrant treatment and living conditions.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026
Students criticize graduation proposal The graduation plan drew immediate criticism from students, who said the district failed to communicate clearly with families.
—Anna McAllister, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for criticism
Cite this Entry
“Criticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criticism. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
criticism
noun
crit·i·cism
ˈkrit-ə-ˌsiz-əm
1
: the act of criticizing and especially of finding fault
2
: a critical remark or comment
3
: a careful judgment or review especially by a critic
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