1
as in judgmental
given to making or expressing unfavorable judgments about things
adults tend to be critical of teenagers' taste in music and movies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in urgent
needing immediate attention
this problem isn't critical, so we can go home now and tend to it in the morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
this is the critical exam that will largely determine your college career
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in essential
impossible to do without
critical information for an informed medical diagnosis
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of critical
Bean cultivation dates back thousands of years, and the plants have been a critical part of the human diet throughout history.
—
Joe Hernandez, NPR, 18 May 2026
The race is now the most expensive House primary of all time, fuelled, in no small part, by those who oppose Massie’s critical stance toward Israel.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Each organization addresses various critical needs across the LGBTQ+ community, such as supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ elder care, increasing access to preventative health services and treatment, and providing mental health support for young people.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 May 2026
Want to stay up to date on IndieWire’s film reviews and critical thoughts?
—Blake Simons, IndieWire, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for critical
Joe Hernandez, NPR, 18 May 2026
The race is now the most expensive House primary of all time, fuelled, in no small part, by those who oppose Massie’s critical stance toward Israel.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Each organization addresses various critical needs across the LGBTQ+ community, such as supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ elder care, increasing access to preventative health services and treatment, and providing mental health support for young people.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 May 2026
Want to stay up to date on IndieWire’s film reviews and critical thoughts?
—Blake Simons, IndieWire, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for critical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for critical
Adjective
-
There is frustration that Harry’s comments came across as judgmental toward relatives with bigger families, and rather brutal.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
11 May 2026
-
Say everyone had a best friend who was always available, never judgmental, totally on the same page about everything and needed nothing in return.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
That argument has a quietly urgent edge.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
17 May 2026
-
That mission became increasingly urgent through the Parents' Network, an initiative created to support families whose children have been harmed by social media platforms and to connect them with others going through similar situations.—
Stephanie Petit,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
That assessment didn’t mention Taiwan directly, but, in relation to Iran, said both sides had agreed that the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for oil and natural gas, must remain open.—
Will Weissert,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
The subpoenas were crucial in getting the names of children and their families so the Justice Department could interview them.—
Kimberlee Kruesi,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Jumping from one idea to another, from one flavor of the month to the next, there seems to be no clarity, consistency or essential golden thread to Harry and Meghan’s work, although Meghan, known as the 24-carat master rebrander, is continuously rebranding herself.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
-
Border plants play an essential role in unifying gardens.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
Are more acute vulnerabilities being exposed by the rise in yields, and will elevated inflation expectations create an undertow to equity valuations?—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
-
Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome affects the kidneys and causes a wide range of symptoms, including blurred vision, low blood pressure, acute shock, internal bleeding and kidney failure.—
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Every scene is shot on location, the soundtrack is wall-to-wall bangers, and the cast is perfect with a few key roles filled by actors in their bygone prime and maybe one or two from beyond the grave.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
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Analysts say a key factor in Adani’s meteoric rise over the years has been his knack for aligning his group’s priorities with those of the Modi government.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 2026
-
Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you’re not caught outside.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Daily News,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Now better training methods and new technology—in particular, camera and radar networks that can precisely measure a ball’s movement and create three-dimensional models of a pitcher’s mechanics—have helped pitchers learn to throw harder and harder.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
That particular section, which sets new standards around warehouse operations and gives employees more information about company quotas and biometric surveillance, has drawn pushback from CBIA.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Critical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/critical. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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