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
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
Rachel Royster
updated March 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
The resulting back and forth on social media, between the campaign and its liberal critics, consumed much of the race’s final days.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
Beginning in 1975, Poilti Editore began publishing the annual Art Diary, a kind of white pages listing contact information for thousands of artists, photographers, critics, and cultural workers, as well as galleries, museums, and collectors.
—News Desk, Artforum, 3 Mar. 2026
As rockets and missiles continue to fly in Iran and other parts of the Middle East, questions have emerged from lawmakers and critics of the attack about the endgame and who will assume power.
—Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for critic
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Noun
Some countries have laws administer what critics believe are cruel punishments or place undue restrictions on women and minorities.
—Rachel Royster
updated March 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
The resulting back and forth on social media, between the campaign and its liberal critics, consumed much of the race’s final days.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
Beginning in 1975, Poilti Editore began publishing the annual Art Diary, a kind of white pages listing contact information for thousands of artists, photographers, critics, and cultural workers, as well as galleries, museums, and collectors.
—News Desk, Artforum, 3 Mar. 2026
As rockets and missiles continue to fly in Iran and other parts of the Middle East, questions have emerged from lawmakers and critics of the attack about the endgame and who will assume power.
—Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for critic
Cite this Entry
“Critic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/critic. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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