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 message allegedly left behind by Mangione is linked to criticism of the healthcare industry, prosecutors claim.
—
Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
On the other are detractors who call Kirk’s ideology hateful and extreme, criticism that has cost many their jobs as his supporters accuse them of trying to incite further political violence.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2025
But her remarks drew criticism on both sides of the political spectrum.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025
The lawsuit filed by his family’s lawyer comes as the city and its policing strategies face criticism and several investigations over the fatal light rail stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska last month.
—Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for criticism
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Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
On the other are detractors who call Kirk’s ideology hateful and extreme, criticism that has cost many their jobs as his supporters accuse them of trying to incite further political violence.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2025
But her remarks drew criticism on both sides of the political spectrum.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2025
The lawsuit filed by his family’s lawyer comes as the city and its policing strategies face criticism and several investigations over the fatal light rail stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska last month.
—Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 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 Sep. 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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