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
Chapter 551 of Texas government code says a governmental body may not prohibit public criticism of the governmental body, including criticism of any act, omission, policy, procedure, program or service.
—
Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Dec. 2025
Anderson is a model and socialite Anderson attended Columbia University, graduating in 2009 with a degree in art history, criticism and conservation, per her LinkedIn.
—Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
Despite the rough career start and regular criticism by the media, Sanders has earned the favor of a subset of Pro Bowl voters.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 16 Dec. 2025
But that consolidation has led to another criticism.
—Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for criticism
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Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Dec. 2025
Anderson is a model and socialite Anderson attended Columbia University, graduating in 2009 with a degree in art history, criticism and conservation, per her LinkedIn.
—Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
Despite the rough career start and regular criticism by the media, Sanders has earned the favor of a subset of Pro Bowl voters.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 16 Dec. 2025
But that consolidation has led to another criticism.
—Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for criticism
Cite this Entry
“Criticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criticism. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.
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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