criticize

play

verb crit·i·cize \ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz\

Definition of criticize

criticized

;

criticizing

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

play \ˈkri-tə-ˌsī-zə-bəl\ adjective

criticizer

noun

See criticize defined for English-language learners

See criticize defined for kids

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 of criticize from the Web

County commissioners criticized Sigman for the email, saying they were satisfied with Carter's work.

— alexander coolidge, Cincinnati.com, "After lead developer pulls out, who will build the rest of The Banks?," 20 July 2017
But some senators are criticizing their colleagues' efforts to bypass public debate about changing immigration law.

— tracy jan, charlotteobserver, "Federal officials will grant 15,000 new visas for seasonal workers," 17 July 2017
So few elected Republicans want to cross him by criticizing him over Russia, much less provoke his anger.

— erica werner, The Seattle Times, "Washington braces for a long, hot summer slog of politics," 12 July 2017
Becerra cited a new law meant to protect Kentucky students' religious freedom that has been criticized as discriminatory toward the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

— phillip m. bailey, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky lawmaker: Repealing law is only way to lift California travel ban," 12 July 2017
As the proposal has languished, several GOP senators have pushed for bipartisan talks and criticized party leaders for excluding Democrats from the beginning.

— russell berman, The Atlantic, "How to Know If the Republican Health-Care Bill Is Dead," 11 July 2017
They have been criticized for playing into anti-Semitic stereotypes, which has been denied by the Hungarian government.

— pablo gorondi, Jewish Journal, "Israel overrules its ambassador to Hungary on anti-Soros ads," 10 July 2017
Brown didn’t criticize the legislation on its merits, but said decisions that affect only one city should be made locally instead of at the state level.

— david garrick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Whistle blowers could sway case focused on future of downtown San Diego," 9 July 2017
One Twitter user criticized ASOS for continuing to use generally homogenous, thin models.

— lynsey eidell, SELF, "ASOS Showcases Models' Stretch Marks in Unedited Photos," 5 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of criticize

¹critic + -ize

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1643

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of 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

CRITICIZE Defined for English Language Learners

criticize

play

verb

Definition of criticize for English Language Learners

: 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)

CRITICIZE Defined for Kids

criticize

play

verb crit·i·cize \ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz\

Definition of criticize for Students

criticized

;

criticizing

1 : to examine and judge
2 : to find fault with

Word Root of criticize

The Greek word kritikos, meaning “able to judge,” gives us the root critic. Words from the Greek kritikos have something to do with judging. A critic is someone who judges the value or quality or something, such as a movie or book. Someone critical makes a lot of judgments and usually decides that things are not good. To criticize is to make a judgment that something is not good.