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.

Thao, the first Hmong American mayor to lead a major American city, was criticized shortly after taking office for letting go of a police chief and taking months to replace him. —

Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024 But the group has largely been shy about criticizing Trump openly. —

Peter Green, Quartz, 9 Nov. 2024 She’s used these moments to criticize Simon’s closeness with Democratic leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and California Senator Alex Padilla. —

Chase Hunter, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024 Regional authorities have been heavily criticized for having issued alerts to mobile phones some two hours after the disaster had started. —

Hernán Muñoz and Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for criticize