CRITICIZE Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

criticize

verb

ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz

Definition of criticize

as in to blame

to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of people who criticize every single idea that the principal has for improving the school

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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 Extraterritorial Reach Over the years, the United Kingdom’s failure to prevent corporate criminal laws have been criticized because of their extraterritorial reach. — Nana Ama Sarfo, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 In this case, we’re wrapped up in criticizing celebrity bodies while the right to govern our own is taken away. — Brittney McNamara, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026 The conditions on board the USS Abraham Lincoln have given Democrats a new attack line to criticize Republicans as the six-month war appears to have no end in sight with the midterm elections looming. — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 17 Aug. 2026 Despite Wu’s post, there are users online seeking replacement pet feeders and criticizing Petlibro’s response. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for criticize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize

Verb

But blaming the technology risks obscuring the fact that humans write the code, select the data on which AI systems are trained, approve their use, and decide where and how they are deployed.

— Shaun Harper, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Many adults who struggle with food or body image blame the role models who were dieting during their childhood.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of blame

Verb

Tlaib has a history of comments about Israel that have been widely condemned by many of her colleagues, including Jewish Democrats from South Florida, over the years.

— Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday condemned the attack by Houthi rebels on the ship in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, saying three Pakistanis had been killed in the attack and another wounded.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of condemn

Verb

Researchers believe this may have been a reactivation of faulting in the prehistoric rocks beneath the monocline.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Sabalenka double-faulted on match point, her seventh double fault of the day, to put an exclamation point on an irritating evening.

— Lukas Weese, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of fault

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criticize

criticized

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“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticize. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of criticize

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