criticize

verb

crit·​i·​cize ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz How to pronounce criticize (audio)
criticized; criticizing
Synonyms 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.
criticizable adjective
criticizer noun
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
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.
Japan’s legal system has also been criticized for handing prosecutors too much power. Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 Advocates have criticized Newsom’s proposal to reinstate the $2,000 asset limit, citing the state’s affordability crisis and the fact that wealth limits for Medicaid recipients have not been adjusted for inflation since they were originally introduced at the federal level in 1989. Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026 The four leaders have also angered Trump by criticizing how he's gone about executing the war and his lack of consultation with allies before jumping into a conflict that's hurt the global economy as oil prices have surged. ABC News, 12 June 2026 That is especially true when the platform is the NBA Finals, when the anthem is being performed in front of massive television audiences and when the player involved has already shown a willingness to criticize the American government. Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for criticize

Word History

Etymology

critic entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of criticize was in 1621

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criticize. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

criticize

verb
crit·​i·​cize ˈkrit-ə-ˌsīz How to pronounce criticize (audio)
criticized; criticizing
1
: to examine and judge as a critic
2
: to find fault with

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