critic

1 of 2

noun (1)

crit·​ic ˈkri-tik 

1

a

: one who engages often professionally in the analysis, evaluation, or appreciation of works of art or artistic performances

a literary critic

a film critic

a theater critic

b

: one who expresses a reasoned opinion on any matter especially involving a judgment of its value, truth, righteousness, beauty, or technique

Critics of the new law say that it will not reduce crime.

2

: one given to harsh or captious judgment

a fierce critic of immigration policies

critic

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

archaic : criticism

2

archaic : critique

Synonyms of critic

Noun (1)

• criticizer

Examples of critic in a Sentence

Noun (1)

the president's hard-core critics are going to attack him no matter what he does

the restaurant critic said that the fries at that fast-food outlet were the worst she'd ever eaten

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For years, the presence of Cuban advisers inside military commands served as a powerful deterrent against internal dissent, critics say, ensuring loyalty through surveillance and ideological oversight. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026

The scandal intensifies scrutiny on the monarchy’s role and governance, with critics questioning how power is wielded within Britain’s upper echelons. —Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026

Still, critics caution that the collaboration between OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank could form a cartel that stifles innovation while inflating costs. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 24 Feb. 2026

But some critics argue that restricting access is too rigid and, in the case of Glacier National Park, may invite more people on the road during dangerous twilight hours. —Outside, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

borrowed from Latin criticus, borrowed from Greek kritikós, derivative of kritikós, adjective, "discerning, capable of judging," from kritós "separated, picked out" (verbal adjective of krī́nein "to separate, choose, decide, judge") + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at certain entry 1

Noun (2)

borrowed from French critique critique entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Noun (2)

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing critic

• textual critic

Rhymes for critic

• clitic
• lytic
• analytic
• anxiolytic
• astrocytic
• austenitic
• catalytic
• cytolytic
• dioritic
• diphtheritic
• dolomitic
• endophytic

Kids Definition

critic

noun

crit·​ic

ˈkrit-ik

1

: a person who makes or gives a judgment of the value, worth, beauty, or excellence of something

2

: faultfinder