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 proposal drew sharp criticism from Rob Quan, an organizer with Unrig LA, who spent much of the past year tracking the effort to rewrite the charter. — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 The left-wing group Data for Progress released a poll after Ocasio-Cortez’s government funding criticism showing her ahead by double digits in a hypothetical primary. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2026 Asked about the greenwashing criticism, a Council spokesperson said companies active in the fossil fuel sector can still contribute to the transition, for example by developing low-carbon fuels or building electric vehicle charging infrastructure. — Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 The administration organized tonight's National Mall celebrations under the Freedom 250 banner, drawing criticism from Democrats. — Willem Marx, NPR, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for criticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticism
  1. critique
  2. review
Noun
  • To Siebel Newsom, the critiques of her work and the federal probe are part of a broader hounding of women who enter the public sphere.
    — Jenny Jarvie Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • For a stable, repo-local script, that critique holds, and wrapping every small command in a gateway adds surface area no one needs.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of critique
Noun
  • But the plan changed after consultations with other senior administration officials, and Hegseth instead unveiled a six-month review of US forces in Europe.
    — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • The go-ahead run had been on the line with that ninth-inning review, in the Dodgers’ eventual 8-7 win against the Rockies in 11 innings.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on criticism

Nglish: Translation of criticism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about criticism

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