critique

1 of 2

noun

cri·​tique krə-ˈtēk 

kri-

: an act of criticizing

especially : a critical (see critical sense 1c) estimate or discussion

a critique of the poet's work

an honest critique of her art

critique

2 of 2

verb

critiqued; critiquing

transitive verb

: to examine critically : review

critique the plan

Did you know?

What’s the difference between criticism and critique? There’s some overlap in meaning, but they’re not the same in every situation. Criticism is most often used broadly to refer to the act of negatively criticizing someone or something (“I’m more interested in encouragement right now than criticism”) or a remark or comment that expresses disapproval (“She shared a minor criticism about the design”), while critique is a more formal word for a carefully expressed judgment, opinion, or evaluation of both the good and bad qualities of something—for example, books or movies. Thus, a critic can write a critique that may be full of criticism.

Synonyms

Noun

• criticism
• examen
• notice
• review

Examples of critique in a Sentence

Noun

She wrote a radical critique of the philosopher's early essays.

They gave a fair and honest critique of her art.

Verb

The class convened to critique the student's latest painting.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But if Black dandyism is at its core a cultural critique, then Sammy the entertainer is, too, Sammy the critic. —Julian Randall, Essence, 29 Apr. 2025

What else is going on Kamala Harris plans a scathing critique of Trump in her first major speech since leaving office. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Verb

Following the shooting at Williamsburg Charter, parents and guardians fiercely critiqued the Safer Access plan and believed locking doors left students who arrived late to school vulnerable to outside threats. —Savanah Jackson, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025

While some people critiqued the portrait for being harsh and unflattering, the disapproval of others ran deeper. —Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from French, borrowed from Latin critica "evaluation of literary works," borrowed from Greek kritikḗ noun derivative from feminine of kritikós "discerning, capable of judging" — more at critic entry 1

Verb

derivative of critique entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1679, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1752, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing critique

• self-critique

Rhymes for critique

• antique
• batik
• bespeak
• boutique
• cacique
• comique
• grosbeak
• midweek
• mystique
• oblique
• physique
• pratique

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

critique

1 of 2 noun

cri·​tique

krə-ˈtēk

: an act or instance of criticizing

especially : a critical estimate or discussion

critique

2 of 2 verb

critiqued; critiquing

: to examine critically : review

critiqued the plan