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 New York Times reported in May that 162 judges received threats in the six weeks after March 1, coinciding with harsh rhetoric criticizing judges who have ruled against the administration. Ella Lee, The Hill, 26 June 2025 Mamdani joined her for a sarcastic infomercial on her account, criticizing Mayor Adams’ record. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025 Environmental groups lobbied for the 8.3% increase versus something higher, but also criticized the water authority for not solving its problems sooner. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025 Kennedy has frequently criticized the childhood vaccination schedule, including the fact that children are vaccinated against far more diseases compared with decades ago. Aria Bendix, NBC news, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for criticize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize
Verb
  • The lawsuit alleges the Tesla’s design was to blame for the car swerving out of its lane and not braking correctly, according to Reuters.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 24 June 2025
  • Partly to blame is high inflation, claimed Bankrate, which has increased by about 24% since the onset of the pandemic in 2020.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Administration officials have sharply condemned the leak, and signaled that access to classified systems would be restricted.
    Nik Popli, Time, 26 June 2025
  • China and North Korea strongly condemned the U.S. attack on Iran.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Pacific Gas & Electric has been faulted for multiple fires in recent years, including the Zogg Fire in 2020 that killed four, the Dixie Fire in 2021 that cost $637.4 million to put out and the devastating Camp Fire in 2018 that killed 85.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • In her dissent, Sotomayor faulted the court for turning a blind eye to injustice.
    David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticize. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on criticize

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