criticize

verb

ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz How to pronounce criticize (audio)
Definition of criticizenext
as in to blame
to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of people who criticize every single idea that the principal has for improving the school

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Fans criticized Swift and Kelce for allowing someone with ICE connections to their wedding, given their Democratic ties. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026 For all her talk of women as allies, Siebel Newsom portrays conservative women who criticize other women as dupes manipulated by MAGA leaders. — Jenny Jarvie follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 The audit also called out NASA for paying Boeing early for mission preparation, something the agency was criticized for in previous audits, including giving funding for missions before the spacecraft had been certified. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2026 Wahab previously criticized the county over its improper handling of foster youth abuse investigations that led to a September 2025 state auditor report that laid out several failures by the Department of Children and Family Services. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for criticize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize
  1. blame
  2. condemn
  3. denounce
  4. fault
Verb
  • Autopsies and other investigations will be needed before the deaths are officially blamed on the heat, Washington said.
    — Jeffrey Collins, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Most of the others have been blamed on natural causes or suicide.
    — Ryan J. Foley, Twin Cities, 6 July 2026
Definition of blame
Verb
  • Eight of the primary winners who condemned the Gaza conflict were backed by American Priorities, a new pro-Palestinian super PAC supporting candidates who have been critical of Israel’s military actions.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 July 2026
  • Lot is often described in the Qurʾān, and in subsequent interpretive traditions, in the role of condemning the men of Sodom for lusting after men rather than women.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
Definition of condemn
Verb
  • Activists and faith leaders denounced the conditions at the office during a press conference the previous day, calling on officials to visit the facility and said there had been bad conditions at the facility for weeks.
    — Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Prosecutors call Hearn’s actions a deliberate, violent act causing more than $1,000 in damage, and his attorneys denounce the case as an alarming misuse of government power.
    — Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of denounce
Verb
  • If these rotations fail to get results, will Spo take the blame or will fans forget his history and fault the player who is underperforming?
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026
  • The lawsuit also faulted organizers for not ensuring attendees did not have weapons, tear gas or bear spray, for allowing attendees to enter the festival from multiple unmonitored points and for not imposing security measures after problems at previous events.
    — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2026
Definition of fault

Browse Nearby Words

criticisms
criticize
criticized
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Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on criticize

Nglish: Translation of criticize for Spanish Speakers

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