pick apart
phrasal verb
picked apart; picking apart; picks apart
chiefly US
: to say all of the things that are bad or wrong about (someone or something) : to criticize (a person or thing) in a very detailed and usually unkind way
You can expect political analysts to pick apart the governor's speech.
The film's critics picked his performance apart.
Examples of pick apart in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The couple's relationship has been put to the test over the years, having been picked apart for their age difference, their decision to have a large family and everything in between.
—
Nigel Smith, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025
In a week Patrick Mahomes, a co-owner of the NWSL’s Kansas City Current, may achieve a feat that no other NFL quarterback has managed, MLS fans have seen one of the greatest teams in recent memory get picked apart just over a year after their greatest triumph.
—Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Trump touts increased Black support Part of Trump's confidence in picking apart DEI programs underscores how he feels buoyed on this subject by a more racially diverse coalition that put him back in office.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2025
Getting picked apart by his employer right before spring training is among the worst ways to kick off a new season on the job.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for pick apart 
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Nigel Smith, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025
In a week Patrick Mahomes, a co-owner of the NWSL’s Kansas City Current, may achieve a feat that no other NFL quarterback has managed, MLS fans have seen one of the greatest teams in recent memory get picked apart just over a year after their greatest triumph.
—Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Trump touts increased Black support Part of Trump's confidence in picking apart DEI programs underscores how he feels buoyed on this subject by a more racially diverse coalition that put him back in office.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2025
Getting picked apart by his employer right before spring training is among the worst ways to kick off a new season on the job.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for pick apart
Dictionary Entries Near pick apart
Cite this Entry
“Pick apart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pick%20apart. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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