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 Schumer was primarily criticized for helping Republicans pass their stopgap funding bill, which helped avoid a government shutdown. Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2025 During that meeting, Zelensky was chided by Trump and criticized by Vance for not being more dressed up in a suit. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 27 Apr. 2025 Trump's decision to wear a blue suit is being criticized by some online suggesting the breach of the dress code is disrespectful. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025 When criticized, the president behaves like a spoiled child. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for criticize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize
Verb
  • Californians can blame the commissioner’s good intentions.
    Max Taves, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Duffy should listen to the lawyers, but instead the Trump Department of Justice has transferred the handling of the congestion price litigation from New York lawyers to some in D.C., blaming the SDNY for intentionally sabotaging the case in filing the letter where it could be seen by all.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trump didn’t exactly condemn the missile strikes on Kyiv, the country’s second largest city.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
  • On Friday, multiple freedom of the press organizations condemned the administration's latest move.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • One board member defended the district’s decision, while another faulted it.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Cohen faulted big law firms for not standing up to Trump as they would be expected to do for any of their clients.
    Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jey landed a big uppercut early in the match that knocked Gunther on his butt.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The next day, animal control officers returned to the home and knocked on the door, but no one answered, authorities said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticize. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on criticize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!