criticism

noun

ˈkri-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce criticism (audio)
Definition of criticismnext
as in critique
an essay evaluating or analyzing something every criticism of the movie has noted that there are major holes in its plot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 criticism But that framing, which was widely rejected by analysts, has opened a window of criticism for President Bola Tinubu’s top challengers. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Much of the criticism of Hegseth’s plan for Hasan has centered not on the method of killing, but on the livestreaming of it. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Thompson lodged criticisms for Jones’ Silicon Valley donors, shifting policy positions and associations with healthcare companies that were fined for denying care. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 To echo a criticism that Nigella and Paul often give the bakers, this stunt doesn’t really add anything. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for criticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticism
  1. critique
  2. review
Noun
  • Since the nineteen-nineties, a Korean New Wave had been praised for embedding capitalist critique in movies packed with monsters, slithering octopuses, killers, and killer cops.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • What readers are saying The comments reflect a mix of admiration and critique for Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural designs.
    — Ashley Stimpson, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of critique
Noun
  • The school falls back on procedure to keep a lid on things, and a school violence review committee wraps up without a firm finding.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The technology allowed the referees to communicate with the replay center about reviews, scoring changes and clock malfunctions.
    — Jessica Golden, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of review

Browse Nearby Words

criticasters
criticism
criticisms
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Cite this Entry

“Criticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticism. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on criticism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about criticism

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