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 Major software overhauls, like the polarizing Liquid Glass iOS redesign, faced sharp criticism over legibility and performance. — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026 Issacharoff acknowledged that his criticism was unlikely to change Ruffalo’s mind. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026 Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA’s first commissioner, who has presided over an era of explosive growth in women’s basketball while facing criticism for her leadership style, will retire at the end of this year, the league said Friday. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2026 In September 2025, Minnesota Lynx star and WNBPA vice president Napheesa Collier publicly delivered a devastating criticism of league leadership. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for criticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticism
  1. critique
  2. review
Noun
  • On rare occasions the selection of award recipients has also served as a critique of public policy and institutional practices that have disregarded scientific evidence or been grounded in unscientific reasoning.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Trump is clearly sensitive about critiques of his endorsement powers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of critique
Noun
  • The full receipts on this $499 investment are still forthcoming, so stay tuned for Allure's deep-dive review (with input from dental professionals) now that the CameraJet is out of the bag.
    — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The administration has scored a series of other victories on the high court’s emergency docket, though the justices have ruled against some of the president’s signature policies after fuller review.
    — Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on criticism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about criticism

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