criticize

verb

crit·i·cize | \ ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz

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

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Synonyms & Antonyms for criticize

Synonyms

blame, censure, condemn, denounce, dis (also diss) [slang], dispraise, fault, knock, pan, reprehend, slag [chiefly British]

Antonyms

extol (also extoll), laud, praise

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

Passengers affected by the closure have criticized Wow Air on social media over the lack of communication. — Maddie Hiatt, House Beautiful, "WOW Air Just Completely Shut Down Without Warning," 28 Mar. 2019 In an annual report on major weapons systems, the Pentagon’s Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) office seriously criticizes the JLTV, which is currently undergoing evaluation with Army and Marine Corps units. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Pentagon Report Slams Military’s Humvee Replacement," 25 Feb. 2019 Johnson criticized the company for making no mention of the potential impact on the city’s crumbling public transportation infrastructure, aside from a plan to build a helipad. — Shirin Ghaffary, Recode, "New York City council members railed against Amazon in the hope of renegotiating the HQ2 deal," 12 Dec. 2018 The most infamous was former Vice President Dan Quayle, who criticized the show for promoting single motherhood when Bergen’s character became pregnant and decided to raise the child alone. — Fox News, "Hillary Clinton makes cameo for 'Murphy Brown' reboot," 28 Sep. 2018 Since then, some members of the movement have criticized would-be representatives for the group as pursuing their own personal agenda. Ms. Levavasseur in her Val-de-Reuil home in Normandy. — Noemie Bisserbe, WSJ, "After Confronting Macron, France’s Yellow Vest Movement Turns on Itself," 23 Feb. 2019 Trump has criticized California’s high-speed rail plan. — Kathleen Ronayne, The Seattle Times, "California governor scales back high-speed train," 12 Feb. 2019 Everyone from Vice President Mike Pence to Democratic Senator Mark Warner have criticized the plans. — Shirin Ghaffary, Recode, "Everything you need to know about Google’s controversial China plans in advance of today’s congressional hearing," 11 Dec. 2018 In the past, Kendall's ads for CK have been criticized for obvious photoshopping. — Tamara Fuentes, Seventeen, "Shawn Mendes and Noah Centineo’s Sexy Shirtless Calvin Klein Ads Just Broke the Internet," 20 Feb. 2019

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.