Synonym Chooser

How does the verb criticize differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of criticize are censure, condemn, denounce, reprehend, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

Where would censure be a reasonable alternative to criticize?

In some situations, the words censure and criticize are roughly equivalent. However, censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When might condemn be a better fit than criticize?

While the synonyms condemn and criticize are close in meaning, condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

How are the words denounce and condemn related as synonyms of criticize?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When is it sensible to use reprehend instead of criticize?

Although the words reprehend and criticize have much in common, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

When could reprobate be used to replace criticize?

The synonyms reprobate and criticize are sometimes interchangeable, but reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of criticize Musk has repeatedly criticized Social Security, one of the government's most popular programs, and DOGE staffers have been working inside the agency. arkansasonline.com, 11 Mar. 2025 Many university campuses saw similar protests that also criticized the Biden administration for not doing more to stop Israel's attacks on Gaza, with some participants calling it a genocide. Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025 In its unanimous, 62-page decision, the court found sufficient evidence to sustain Debate’s murder conviction, but went to unusual lengths to criticize the conduct of State’s Attorney Matthew C. Gedansky at multiple points in the trial. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2025 In the 2020s both liberal and conservative judges have sharply criticized NCAA restrictions on college athletes’ earning opportunities. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for criticize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize
Verb
  • The Democratic establishment’s focus on blaming Trump for those price spikes represents a stark break from its activists, who have launched a protest movement arguing that Trump is a budding dictator with no regard for the Constitution.
    Steve Peoples, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Recently, however, doctors have started reporting more cases of iodine-deficient hypothyroidism—and our salt preferences may be at least partially to blame.
    Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Trump also signed an executive order targeting antisemitism, specifically condemning protests following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Several countries have condemned the violence in the strongest terms.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Hours earlier, the head of the South Florida Police Benevolent Association officers’ union, Steadman Stahl, faulted Hill for winding up on the ground while being handcuffed.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
  • City audit led to changeover As for animal control, KC Pet Project sought that contract after a 2017 city audit had faulted the city-run animal control unit for being overly focused on issuing tickets to pet owners.
    Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Not long after Muhammad claimed the Titan FC welterweight crown, the UFC came knocking.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Some teams can knock themselves off the bubble with bad performances.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticize. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on criticize

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