Criticize - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT criticize /ˌkrɪdəˈsaɪz/ /ˈkrɪtɪsaɪz/ IPA guide

Other forms: criticized; criticizing; criticizes

To criticize is to find what's wrong with something, like the improbabilities in a movie's plot line, or double standards in your father's rules.

The verb criticize comes from the noun, critic, and means "to act like a critic." A critic is someone who judges, and that doesn't have to mean negative judgment (think of a glowing movie review from a movie critic), but when we use criticize we always mean finding what's wrong, instead of what's good, with something. If your friend is just learning to bake, don't criticize his first batch of burned cookies too harshly; he'll just give up.

Definitions of criticize

verb find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws “The paper criticized the new movie” synonyms: criticise, knock, pick apart see moresee less antonyms: praise express approval of types: show 32 types... hide 32 types... censure, criminate, reprimand rebuke formally blast, crucify, pillory, savage criticize harshly or violently admonish, reprove take to task bawl out, berate, call down, call on the carpet, chew out, chew up, chide, dress down, have words, jaw, lambast, lambaste, lecture, rag, rebuke, remonstrate, reprimand, reproof, scathe, scold, take to task, trounce, vituperate censure severely or angrily reprehend express strong disapproval of deplore express strong disapproval of belabor, belabour attack verbally with harsh criticism come down criticize or reprimand harshly denounce speak out against blame, find fault, pick harass with constant criticism belittle, disparage, pick at express a negative opinion of nitpick be overly critical; criticize minor details assail, assault, attack, lash out, round, snipe attack in speech or writing harsh on criticize harshly castigate, chasten, chastise, correct, objurgate censure severely brush down, tell off reprimand animadvert express blame or censure or make a harshly critical remark fulminate, rail criticize severely abuse, blackguard, clapperclaw, shout use foul or abusive language towards claw attack as if with claws pan, tear apart, trash express a totally negative opinion of discredit, disgrace damage the reputation of deprecate, depreciate, vilipend belittle vitriol subject to bitter verbal abuse rip criticize or abuse strongly and violently whang attack forcefully barrage, bombard address continuously or persistently, as if with a barrage blister, scald, whip subject to harsh criticism condemn, decry, excoriate, objurgate, reprobate express strong disapproval of belittle, denigrate, derogate, minimize cause to seem lesser or inferior accurse, anathematise, anathematize, anathemise, anathemize, comminate, execrate curse or declare to be evil or anathema or threaten with divine punishment rubbish attack strongly type of: comment, notice, point out, remark make or write a comment on
verb act as a critic “Those who criticize others often are not perfect, either” synonyms: criticise see moresee less type of: act discharge one's duties

Pronunciation US /ˌkrɪdəˈsaɪz/ UK /ˈkrɪtɪsaɪz/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘criticize'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

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