criticize

verb

crit·​i·​cize ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz How to pronounce criticize (audio)
criticized; criticizing

intransitive verb

: to act as a critic

transitive verb

1
: to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly : evaluate
He asked me to criticize his drawings.
2
: to find fault with : point out the faults of
His boss criticized him for his sloppy work.
criticizable adjective
criticizer noun
Choose the Right Synonym for criticize

criticize, reprehend, censure, reprobate, condemn, denounce mean to find fault with openly.

criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

Examples of criticize in a Sentence

His boss criticized him for his sloppy work habits. The judge was widely criticized for his verdict. The editor criticized the author's work as trite. It seems as though all he ever does is criticize.
Recent Examples on the Web Prominent Muslim lawmaker Asaduddin Owaisi criticized Saturday’s violence in Gujarat, calling out Modi and top officials within his government. Rhea Mogul, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024 He was dismissed in February 2023 after an internal investigation criticized him for allegedly failing to properly supervise staff. Laura A. Bischoff, The Enquirer, 18 Mar. 2024 Both Tunisia and Mauritania were key points of departure for migrants crossing the Mediterranean and a stretch of the Atlantic to Italy and Spain, respectively, and they too were criticized for alleged abuses against migrants. Samy Magdy, Fortune Europe, 17 Mar. 2024 Biden has repeatedly criticized Israel for the number of civilian casualties Palestinians are experiencing. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2024 China has criticized the new legislation, and Beijing appeared to take steps in 2020 that would give it the ability to block the transfer of TikTok’s algorithm. Sapna Maheshwari, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2024 Whatever their differences on Thursday, Israeli politicians from across the spectrum criticized Schumer’s interference. The Editors, National Review, 15 Mar. 2024 Among those differences, Pence criticized Trump’s recent opposition to the bill in Congress attempting to force a sale of social media app TikTok. Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Mar. 2024 Many people criticized the festival for hosting West, due to his antisemitic remarks over the past months, which have left him without a label or publishing deal and cost him all of his high-profile endorsement deals. Jem Aswad, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'criticize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

critic entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of criticize was in 1621

Dictionary Entries Near criticize

Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criticize. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

criticize

verb
crit·​i·​cize ˈkrit-ə-ˌsīz How to pronounce criticize (audio)
criticized; criticizing
1
: to examine and judge as a critic
2
: to find fault with

More from Merriam-Webster on criticize

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