criticism

noun

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crit·i·cism | \ ˈkri-tə-ˌsi-zəm

Definition of criticism

1a : 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

Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing criticism Learn More About criticism

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 Himalayan nation, which is heavily reliant on climbers for foreign exchange, faced criticism for allowing overcrowding and several climber deaths on the mountains in 2019. — CNN, 8 May 2022 In recent weeks, Scholz has faced criticism for his approach to the war in Ukraine. — Emily Schultheis, ajc, 8 May 2022 Oz has faced criticism for not using his celebrity prominence as a platform for denouncing Erdogan's clampdowns on opposition and other democratic backsliding. — Lucien Bruggeman, ABC News, 4 May 2022 Like Chapek, Bastian had faced criticism for remaining silent as the law made its way through the legislature. — Jelani Cobb, The New Yorker, 2 May 2022 Biden's potential move to support the labor movement comes as his administration faces tremendous criticism for the state of the economy. — Nicholas Reimann, Forbes, 30 Apr. 2022 Brown faces a range of criticism for her decision, including for her soft-on-crime approach and her failure to inform Nikki Thrasher’s mother of Hedquist’s clemency. — Fox News, 29 Apr. 2022 The Azov Regiment has its roots in the Azov Battalion, which was formed in 2014 by far-right activists at the start of the separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine and elicited criticism for some of its tactics. — David Keyton And Yesica Fisch, Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2022 The Azov Regiment has its roots in the Azov Battalion, which was formed in 2014 by far-right activists at the start of the separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine and elicited criticism for some of its tactics. — David Keyton, Yesica Fisch, Anchorage Daily News, 23 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'criticism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.