criticize

crit·i·cize | \ ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz

How to pronounce criticize (audio)

\

criticized; criticizing

Definition of criticize

intransitive verb

: to act as a critic

transitive verb

1 : to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly : evaluate He asked me to criticize his drawings.

2 : to find fault with : point out the faults of His boss criticized him for his sloppy work.

Other Words from criticize Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about criticize

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for criticize

criticize, reprehend, censure, reprobate, condemn, denounce mean to find fault with openly. criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions. criticized the police for using violence reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking. reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding. a Senator formally censured by his peers reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction. reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment. condemned the government's racial policies denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration. a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

Examples of criticize in a Sentence

His boss criticized him for his sloppy work habits. The judge was widely criticized for his verdict. The editor criticized the author's work as trite. It seems as though all he ever does is criticize.

Recent Examples on the Web In the ad, which comes from the Congressional Leadership Fund, New York City law enforcement officers from Rose’s 11th Congressional District criticize the New York Democrat for marching with Black Lives Matter protesters on Staten Island in June. — Kerry Picket, Washington Examiner, "GOP super PAC ad slams Max Rose for marching with Black Lives Matter protesters," 13 Sep. 2020 And can be secure enough in their own talents and know-how and abilities to absorb a few shots from people on the outside who criticize a few mistakes along the way. — Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Gordon Monson: Here’s exactly what Real Salt Lake should do to become great again," 12 Sep. 2020 To openly criticize your head coach in the playoffs... — Chris Fedor, cleveland, "Do Cleveland Cavaliers regret not drafting Michael Porter Jr. in 2018? Hey, Chris!," 12 Sep. 2020 And Democrats often criticize Trump for the use of his children in government positions and policy negotiations, as well as the financial benefit his family's business has seen from the presidency. — Alexandra Jaffe, Star Tribune, "Biden: 'I hope I don't take the bait' in debate with Trump," 10 Sep. 2020 The profile also outlined her support for strict gun control — and her response to those who criticize celebrities for speaking out about issues. — Washington Post, "Cardi B’s support for Joe Biden is part of her long history of being politically outspoken," 21 Aug. 2020 In his television interview Friday, Barnes did not criticize Biden's visit to Kenosha. — Mary Spicuzza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes says Trump 'virtually celebrated' teen accused of killing 2 protesters in Kenosha," 4 Sep. 2020 Presidents typically don’t criticize their successors at conventions. — Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, "From Biden's speech to calamari, here's how the COVID-era DNC became the best show on TV," 22 Aug. 2020 While disagreeing with Trump, DeWine didn’t directly criticize him. — cleveland, "Ohio House Ex-Speaker Larry Householder still looking for legal defense in corruption case: Capitol Letter," 21 Aug. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'criticize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about criticize

Dictionary Entries near criticize

Statistics for criticize

Last Updated

20 Sep 2020

Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criticize. Accessed 28 Sep. 2020.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for criticize

criticize

verb

English Language Learners Definition of criticize

: to express disapproval of (someone or something) : to talk about the problems or faults of (someone or something)

: to look at and make judgments about (something, such as a piece of writing or a work of art)

See the full definition for criticize in the English Language Learners Dictionary

criticize

crit·i·cize | \ ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz

\

criticized; criticizing

Kids Definition of criticize

1 : to examine and judge

2 : to find fault with

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

abstain

Listen to the pronunciation of abstain

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Which is a synonym of fuliginous?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.