Synonym Chooser

How does the verb criticize differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of criticize are censure, condemn, denounce, reprehend, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

Where would censure be a reasonable alternative to criticize?

In some situations, the words censure and criticize are roughly equivalent. However, censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When might condemn be a better fit than criticize?

While the synonyms condemn and criticize are close in meaning, condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

How are the words denounce and condemn related as synonyms of criticize?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When is it sensible to use reprehend instead of criticize?

Although the words reprehend and criticize have much in common, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

When could reprobate be used to replace criticize?

The synonyms reprobate and criticize are sometimes interchangeable, but reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of criticize The claim was widely criticized by medical professionals for lacking scientific consensus. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025 Trump has been criticized lately for pressuring the Federal Reserve and threatening its independence. Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025 The film, which saw Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova accompany a Russian military unit in the war in Ukraine, was criticized for trivializing Russian war crimes in Ukraine. Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2025 The association also criticized FBI director Kash Patel’s leadership at the agency. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for criticize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize
Verb
  • But historically, voters have blamed the party in power for a government shutdown.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Dohn Community High School closed in early 2025, and school officials have blamed Davenport for its abrupt collapse.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The backlash was swift, with figures like Senator Ted Cruz condemning the remarks and FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatening to scrutinize ABC’s broadcast standards.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • The dominoes began to fall originally after Federal Communications Chair Brendan Carr publicly condemned comments Kimmel made in the wake of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk's killing.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Health sector is the focus of public anger Moroccans have been demonstrating outside hospitals in cities and rural towns to denounce the decline of public services, local outlets reported.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
  • This behavior by fans has had a major impact on social media, with numerous users denouncing it as inappropriate.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Barb Jacobson, a voter from Hebron, faulted the last administration for failing to release records of the deceased financier.
    Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Auditors also faulted the district for failing to ensure that the revenue-sharing arrangement with BusPatrol was being properly calculated.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticize. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on criticize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!