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
Vance, asked by a reporter about the criticism from the Israeli government, singled out Israeli Cabinet officials who have attacked the deal, saying Netanyahu has not shared the same opposition in the vice president's conversations with him.
—
Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 June 2026
The Israeli military courts have faced criticism over the years surrounding allegations of limited due process and high conviction rates of Palestinians, although Israel has pushed back on those accusations.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
Wasserman Schultz used almost every question during the nearly two-hour debate to tout her experience and political wins in Congress — and addressed the criticism of her decision to run in Florida’s 20th District the same way.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
On a March 2021 episode of The Talk, hosts Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood got into a bitter dispute over Osbourne's defense of English broadcaster Piers Morgan, who had sparked controversy with his vocal criticism of Meghan Markle.
—Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for criticism
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Joey Garrison, USA Today, 19 June 2026
The Israeli military courts have faced criticism over the years surrounding allegations of limited due process and high conviction rates of Palestinians, although Israel has pushed back on those accusations.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
Wasserman Schultz used almost every question during the nearly two-hour debate to tout her experience and political wins in Congress — and addressed the criticism of her decision to run in Florida’s 20th District the same way.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
On a March 2021 episode of The Talk, hosts Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood got into a bitter dispute over Osbourne's defense of English broadcaster Piers Morgan, who had sparked controversy with his vocal criticism of Meghan Markle.
—Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 18 June 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 25 Jun. 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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