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

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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 Army officers rarely criticize the president openly. — Washington Post, "As Mexico’s security deteriorates, the power of the military grows," 17 Dec. 2020 Academics routinely criticize platforms for restricting data access, while platforms face enormous risk when sharing data, even with academics. — Matt Perault, WSJ, "Big Tech and Antitrust: A Path Forward," 16 Dec. 2020 Democrats also criticize them, though for different reasons. — CBS News, "Watch Live: Facebook and Twitter CEOs face Senate questions on election measures," 17 Nov. 2020 Democrats also criticize them, though for different reasons. — Marcy Gordon, Star Tribune, "Facebook, Twitter CEOs to be pressed on election handling," 16 Nov. 2020 Williams will criticize Landrum’s record as a prosecutor under former DA Harry Connick and during her stints as interim DA and on the bench. — Clancy Dubos, NOLA.com, "Not over yet: Key races headed to runoffs in New Orleans," 9 Nov. 2020 The ads paid for by each group criticize opponents in the Ohio Supreme Court seats up for election. — cleveland, "Ohio Bar Association calls for 2 Ohio Supreme Court ads to be yanked off TV," 31 Oct. 2020 Fowler, an attorney, has been one of the most vocal public figures to criticize the shooting. — Leia Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, "Salt Lake police union wants City Council member disciplined for calling Palacios-Carbajal shooting unlawful," 1 Oct. 2020 The interest rates on their successive refinancings were higher than average mortgage rates at the time, and one included a steep origination fee and disability insurance payments that lending advocates criticize as abusive. — oregonlive, "Massive fundraising for Red House family attracts supporters and critics," 20 Dec. 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.

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Dictionary Entries near criticize

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Last Updated

12 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criticize. Accessed 18 Jan. 2021.

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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

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