criticize

[ krit-uh-sahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, crit·i·cized, crit·i·ciz·ing.

1. to censure or find fault with.

   Synonyms: blame, condemn

2. to judge or discuss the merits and faults of:

   to criticize three novels in one review.

   Synonyms: evaluate, appraise

verb (used without object)

, crit·i·cized, crit·i·ciz·ing.

1. to find fault; judge unfavorably or harshly.
2. to make judgments as to merits and faults.

criticize

/ ˈkrɪtɪˌsaɪz /

verb

1. to judge (something) with disapproval; censure
2. to evaluate or analyse (something)

Derived Forms

• ˈcritiˌcizer, noun
• ˈcritiˌcizable, adjective
• ˈcritiˌcizingly, adverb

Other Words From

• criti·ciza·ble adjective
• criti·cizer noun
• criti·cizing·ly adverb
• non·criti·cizing adjective noun
• over·criti·cize verb overcriticized overcriticizing
• pre·criti·cize verb (used with object) precriticized precriticizing
• re·criti·cize verb (used with object) recriticized recriticizing
• un·criti·ciza·ble adjective
• un·criti·ciza·bly adverb
• un·criti·cized adjective
• un·criti·cizing adjective
• un·criti·cizing·ly adverb
• well-criti·cized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of criticize¹

First recorded in 1640–50; critic + -ize

Example Sentences

She was rightly criticized at first for avoiding interviews and when she did finally start talking to the press, she blew it.

From Salon

In its human rights report on Uganda last year, the US State Department said the "authorities used this law to intimidate internet users from criticizing government policies".

From BBC

The rankings are often criticized by university leaders as unfair and deeply flawed, yet they remain a preoccupation at many campuses as administrators struggle to navigate an increasingly competitive environment for higher education.

From New York Times

His purview would include programs and departments he has fiercely criticized in the past, often in ways that opponents say distort or ignore facts and misinterpret science.

From Los Angeles Times

However, regulators, civil rights groups and users have criticized social media platforms, including X, for not doing enough to enforce their own rules.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blame
• blast
• castigate
• censure
• chastise
• chide
• condemn
• denounce
• excoriate
• reprimand