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 Several officers and union leaders testified they were retaliated against for criticizing the sheriff, but Corpus argued transfers shouldn’t automatically be seen as punitive. Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 7 Sep. 2025 Some viewers criticized the use of a crate, while others could relate to the moment of panic. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025 In a statement to USA TODAY, Combs' attorneys denied the allegations and criticized Burrowes and his attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, who have also sued Combs’ mother. Gina Barton, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025 Commissioner Daniel Reeves also criticized the height limits. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for criticize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize
Verb
  • Of course, nobody enjoys feeling blamed or accused, so the instinct to deflect may feel right.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The 2024 first-round pick blamed the weather, not nerves or feeling too amped up, on an inaccurate pass targeting DeMario Douglas to open the game.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Prevost also condemned popular culture, societal, and media efforts that went against Catholicism and promoted the acceptance of homosexual relationships.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2025
  • While condemning Hamas, Nadler reiterated his support for a two-state Palestinian solution, while rejecting claims that Israel is committing genocide.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Addressing supporters Saturday in the heart of his district, Kansas City’s longtime Democratic congressman and former mayor denounced Missouri lawmakers’ plan to dilute the city’s voting power by carving it up into three Republican congressional districts.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • In the past, Newsom denounced judges who ruled against them as toadies of the firearms industry.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Another superb backhand winner saved a break point in Sabalenka’s next service game after she had double-faulted and chucked her racket to the ground in frustration.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In the next game, with the thousands in the stands roaring for every point gained by the American, Sabalenka netted off-balance groundstrokes on two points in a row and double-faulted to get broken right back.
    Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticize. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on criticize

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