criticize

verb

crit·​i·​cize ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz 

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

ˈkri-tə-ˌsī-zə-bəl 

adjective

criticizer noun

Synonyms of criticize

• blame
• condemn
• denounce
• fault

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

Members of Congress have also criticized the administration. —Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026

The former South Dakota governor was also criticized over the way her department has spent billions of dollars allocated to it by Congress. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026

Despite his status as a longtime Democratic donor, Ellison’s acquisition of The Free Press and his installation of founder Bari Weiss atop CBS News also raised alarm from Democrats, who have criticized some of her editorial decisions as biased against the left. —Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026

Noem made the statement during a four-hour hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where lawmakers sharply criticized the department’s aggressive immigration enforcement. —Mathew Miranda updated March 4, Sacbee.com, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

critic entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for criticize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

criticize

verb

crit·​i·​cize ˈkrit-ə-ˌsīz 

criticized; criticizing

1

: to examine and judge as a critic

2

: to find fault with