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 Many of his posts align with the positions of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Francis, who criticized the Trump administration's views on immigration. Rhona Tarrant, CBS News, 9 May 2025 Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, have criticized the firing. Andrew Limbong, NPR, 9 May 2025 Cam also criticized Ye string of controversies over the years, from his problematic comments about Hitler to his brief association with the KKK. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 9 May 2025 In 2017, shortly after Fujimori received a controversial pardon, Prevost—then the Bishop of Chiclayo—publicly criticized the nature of his apology. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for criticize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize
Verb
  • According to Reuters, many locals have blamed the sites for creating an unsustainable rental environment, reducing housing supply and making rent unaffordable for locals.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Like with Michaels, HBO initially blamed Pilgrim for the accident, but later settled for £500,000 ($669,000), according to the stunt pro’s barrister.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • The decision was immediately condemned by transgender rights activists contacted by Reuters.
    Phil Stewart, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • Long been derided as tacky, commercial non-art, sitcoms with background laughter over the years have been condemned as a dystopian form of joke mind control.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • And now, the family is suing the producers and distributors of the documentary, including Disney and National Geographic, faulting them for the slaying.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2025
  • In the 1935 ruling, the court upheld for-cause removal protections for Federal Trade Commission members, faulting Roosevelt's firing of a commissioner for policy differences.
    John Kruzel, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Remember, as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • Amid the fighting, one boy punched another in the face, knocking him to the ground, and then began punching several other children.
    Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticize. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on criticize

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