criticize

verb

crit·i·cize ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz

criticized; criticizing

Synonyms of criticize next

intransitive verb

: to act as a critic

transitive verb

: to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly : evaluate

He asked me to criticize his drawings.

: to find fault with : point out the faults of

His boss criticized him for his sloppy work.

criticizable

ˈkri-tə-ˌsī-zə-bəl

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

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.

Bo French, the chairman of the Tarrant County, Texas, GOP, criticized Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, alleging that an emphasis on DEI programs had undermined the military's effectiveness. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024 Disney filed a First Amendment lawsuit the following year, arguing that DeSantis and state Republicans had waged a concerted campaign to punish Disney for exercising its speech rights to criticize Florida’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. —

Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024 During the film's release, criticism and backlash towards Lively online ramped up as content creators and other social media users criticized her behavior during the film's promotion, arguing that she was focused on her personal brand in place of advocacy for domestic violence prevention. —

Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 22 Dec. 2024 Bondi has been criticized for assisting Trump’s efforts to dispute the 2020 election. —

George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for criticize