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
For an artist so focused on the future, criticism doesn’t slow him down.
—
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
The messaging also included criticism of U.S. policy that echoed China's public statements.
—Beijing and Washington Bureaus, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
In both cases, the criticism is not completely superficial.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025
Rodriguez, who hired four people, faced criticism for bringing in two people who did ad work for his unsuccessful, 2022 mayoral bid and one who led a local Democratic club that endorsed him for District 2 days after signing a consulting contract with Rodriguez’s office.
—Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for criticism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
The messaging also included criticism of U.S. policy that echoed China's public statements.
—Beijing and Washington Bureaus, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
In both cases, the criticism is not completely superficial.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025
Rodriguez, who hired four people, faced criticism for bringing in two people who did ad work for his unsuccessful, 2022 mayoral bid and one who led a local Democratic club that endorsed him for District 2 days after signing a consulting contract with Rodriguez’s office.
—Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share