critic

1 of 2

noun (1)

crit·​ic ˈkri-tik How to pronounce critic (audio)
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

Examples of critic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
But critics say an emphasis on profits changed that Boeing was once known as a company that put engineering excellence ahead of financial performance, and produced planes that were the gold standard in the industry. Chris Isidore, CNN, 25 Mar. 2024 Kenya Barris loves remakes and reboots, despite what critics say about frequent reimaginings of beloved films in recent years. Nathan Vinson, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024 Neither film has been a hit with critics, but audiences have been more receptive. Jake Coyle, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2024 But critics say that Mr. Marcus’s larger ambition is to push a pro-Israel policy agenda and crack down on speech supporting Palestinians. Vimal Patel, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2024 This hit home with our critic Bill Addison’s list of 10 Italian spots in L.A. from the most recent 101 Best Restaurants guide. Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2024 Congress voted early Saturday to strip hundreds of millions of dollars from the United Nations agency that distributes most of the food, medicine and basic services to Palestinians in Gaza and across the Middle East, marking what critics say is a devastating blow to a region in crisis. Abigail Hauslohner, Washington Post, 23 Mar. 2024 And contrary to what some of his critics believe, White said, those negotiations are progressing. Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024 Since the summer of 2022, the Free Press has reported on the overcrowding and understaffing at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Center, problems that led to what critics have called inhumane conditions. Detroit Free Press, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'critic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of critic was in 1587

Dictionary Entries Near critic

Cite this Entry

“Critic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/critic. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

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