criticize

verb

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

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
ˈkri-tə-ˌsī-zə-bəl How to pronounce criticize (audio)
adjective
criticizer noun

Synonyms of criticize

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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
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.
The National Gallery has been criticized after spending £250,000 on its NG Citizens program. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Lawrence thinks his outsider approach and willingness to criticize his own party is just what this competitive district needs to win in November. — Tamara Keith, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026 Green apologized online after fans criticized him for his AI use in a video script. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 Throughout the remainder of the interview, Rodgers circled back to criticizing Fauci, the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols, ESPN and the Russini scandal. — Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for criticize

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

Rhymes for criticize

See All Rhymes for criticize

Browse Nearby Words

criticizable
criticize
criticizer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criticize. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of criticize for Spanish Speakers

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