criticize

verb

crit·​i·​cize ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz 

criticized; criticizing

intransitive verb

: to act as a critic

transitive verb

1

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

He asked me to criticize his drawings.

2

: to find fault with : point out the faults of

His boss criticized him for his sloppy work.

criticizable

ˈkri-tə-ˌsī-zə-bəl 

adjective

criticizer noun

Synonyms

• blame
• condemn
• denounce
• fault

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of criticize in a Sentence

His boss criticized him for his sloppy work habits.

The judge was widely criticized for his verdict.

The editor criticized the author's work as trite.

It seems as though all he ever does is criticize.

Recent Examples on the Web

Washington’s offensive has accelerated in recent days; US lawmakers, including Republicans, have criticized the strikes, which have not been approved by Congress. —Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2025

After the changes were first made, Amy Flottemesch, president of the Cincinnati Food Truck Association, criticized the lack of communication between the city and vendors. —David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Oct. 2025

Hines' press tour for Unscripted has run the gamut of the political spectrum, with the actress appearing on Bush's show, conservative commentator Meghan McCain's web series, and The View — the last of which Hines criticized elsewhere in her Hot Mics discussion. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025

However, despite hiring an entirely Native writer's room, their attempts were criticized following season 1 for blending Indigenous cultures and missing the mark on specific Navajo customs. —Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

critic entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for criticize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

criticize

verb

crit·​i·​cize ˈkrit-ə-ˌsīz 

criticized; criticizing

1

: to examine and judge as a critic

2

: to find fault with