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.

Legislative Democrats continue to criticize Lee's proposal for its lack of accountability measures, among other aspects. —

Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 3 Feb. 2025 Trump used the signing ceremony as an opportunity to criticize Canada, with continuing negotiations between him and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau amid threats of 25% tariffs from both sides. —

Naomi Lim, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 3 Feb. 2025 Amid signs vowing to fight the deportation of immigrants and criticizing the policies of President Donald Trump at a rally was one held by a young man putting the effort on a highly personal level. —

Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025 Some have criticized general manager Nico Harrison for giving up one of the NBA’s best players in his prime without fielding multiple offers. —

Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for criticize