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.

And just this week, Pritzker openly criticized Welch after the governor said the speaker did nothing to stop more than one of his members from berating and verbally abusing staff experts from the governor’s administration called in to explain the hemp issues to the Democratic Caucus. —

The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025 However, many criticized Jones for fighting the aging Miocic and not pivoting to fight Aspinall, a younger and seemingly more dangerous fighter who holds the interim title. —

Brian Mazique, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 Obama, in turn, has criticized Trump, particularly on issues of democracy and policy. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 In the meantime, Musk is criticizing environmental regulations in California for allegedly enabling the fires. —

Michael Kan, PCMAG, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for criticize