Thesaurus

criticize

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of criticize

to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of

people who criticize every single idea that the principal has for improving the school

Synonyms for criticize

blame,
censure,
condemn,
denounce,
dis
(also diss)
[slang],
dispraise,
fault,
knock,
pan,
reprehend,
slag
[chiefly British]

Words Related to criticize

skewer,
tweak

Phrases Synonymous with criticize

Near Antonyms for criticize

Antonyms for criticize

extol
(also extoll),
laud,
praise

Frequently Asked Questions About criticize

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