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
The threat to withhold back pay has angered federal employees, according to Axios which first reported on the memo, and prompted criticisms from both Republican and Democrat lawmakers who insist the government is legally obligated to compensate furloughed workers.
—
Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
Spanberger, 46, who has consistently held a 10-point lead over Earle-Sears, 61, in recent surveys, is leveraging the government shutdown to intensify criticism against her opponent.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
While speaking on Apple Music’s The Zane Lowe Show on Tuesday, the singer-songwriter talked about processing the mixed reactions to her 12th album, which has received both praise and criticism from critics and fans.
—Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Lecornu — who had been prime minister for just 27 days — quit on Monday just hours after naming his new government, following widespread criticism of his cabinet's composition.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for criticism
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Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
Spanberger, 46, who has consistently held a 10-point lead over Earle-Sears, 61, in recent surveys, is leveraging the government shutdown to intensify criticism against her opponent.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
While speaking on Apple Music’s The Zane Lowe Show on Tuesday, the singer-songwriter talked about processing the mixed reactions to her 12th album, which has received both praise and criticism from critics and fans.
—Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Lecornu — who had been prime minister for just 27 days — quit on Monday just hours after naming his new government, following widespread criticism of his cabinet's composition.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 7 Oct. 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 8 Oct. 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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