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
Israel has previously faced significant criticism for its response to prior flotilla missions bound for Gaza.
—
Callum Sutherland, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
And frankly, the front office deserves criticism for that.
—Mike Kaye
september 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
The White House did not respond to a request for comment about criticism of his methods.
—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Medicines and vaccines Kennedy has drawn criticism for suggesting antidepressants, particularly those that are part of a family known as SSRIs are as addictive as heroin and can be dangerous.
—Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for criticism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Callum Sutherland, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
And frankly, the front office deserves criticism for that.
—Mike Kaye
september 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
The White House did not respond to a request for comment about criticism of his methods.
—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Medicines and vaccines Kennedy has drawn criticism for suggesting antidepressants, particularly those that are part of a family known as SSRIs are as addictive as heroin and can be dangerous.
—Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 9 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 10 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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