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

The lawmaker also criticized Republicans for conducting the session behind closed doors and for blocking the public release of the second volume of Smith’s final report, which focuses on the classified documents case. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 17 Dec. 2025

The organization, representing 67,000 US pediatricians, has criticized some of the agency’s positions and had ongoing clashes with officials, including a legal battle. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025

Luci Willits, the lone conservative Boise City Council member, criticized the idea when asked for comment. —Idaho Statesman, 17 Dec. 2025

California halted a $30 million e-bike voucher program after a troubled rollout, a decision criticized by Sacramento residents who received bikes. —Hannah Ruhoff, Sacbee.com, 17 Dec. 2025

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