critique

1 of 2

noun

cri·​tique krə-ˈtēk 

kri-

: an act of criticizing

especially : a critical (see critical sense 1d) 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 of critique

Noun

• criticism
• 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

Many Jewish organizations, though, have lobbied in favor of the definition, which states that some critiques of Israel as a Jewish state may cross a line into antisemitism, such as denying the Jewish people’s right to self-determination or claiming the existence of Israel is a racist endeavor. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026

This is not a woman walking on eggshells to avoid critique. —Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 2 Jan. 2026

Verb

But Hankins, who has now taken a role as a visiting professor at the University of Florida, didn't just critique the school over these particular examples. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025

With her signature deadpan sarcasm and round glasses, Daria critiqued suburban life and the insanity of high school popularity contests with wit and honesty. —Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 30 Dec. 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

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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