criticism

noun

ˈkri-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce criticism (audio)
Definition of criticismnext
as in critique
an essay evaluating or analyzing something every criticism of the movie has noted that there are major holes in its plot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 criticism The post drew criticism from a group of Latino community leaders, including several Guerra supporters, who gathered for a news conference Friday morning at Sacramento’s Southside Park. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Their social outing drew criticism in the French media as the presidential couple was accused of being tone-deaf, and were even compared to Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette on the eve of the French Revolution. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026 The change has drawn political criticism and a response from a Missouri insurance trade group. — Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026 Eisenkot, who lost a son and two nephews to fighting in Gaza, has been particularly unsparing in his criticism, repeatedly hammering Netanyahu for refusing to take any accountability for the calamity. — Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for criticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticism
  1. critique
  2. review
Noun
  • Yet Dunlap is also somewhat insulated from that critique due to his years spent as the executive director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, a pro-2nd Amendment group that supports hunters and fishermen.
    — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The former president delivered a blistering critique of his successor — watch here.
    — Jamie Ross, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of critique
Noun
  • The meeting concluded with a general consensus among School Board members and City Council representatives to move forward with feasibility studies, cost breakdowns and formal design reviews before drafting a binding interlocal agreement.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Both policies have limitations, and residency requirements and emergency coverage deserve careful review.
    — Lance B. Fulford, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of review

Browse Nearby Words

criticasters
criticism
criticisms
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Cite this Entry

“Criticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticism. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on criticism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about criticism

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