criticize
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
-
to find fault; judge unfavorably or harshly.
-
to make judgments as to merits and faults.
verb
-
to judge (something) with disapproval; censure
-
to evaluate or analyse (something)
Other Word Forms
- criticizable adjective
- criticizer noun
- criticizingly adverb
- noncriticizing adjective
- overcriticize verb
- precriticize verb (used with object)
- recriticize verb (used with object)
- uncriticizable adjective
- uncriticizably adverb
- uncriticized adjective
- uncriticizing adjective
- uncriticizingly adverb
- well-criticized adjective
Etymology
Origin of criticize
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Flipping the telescope to the large end is not unique to this particular cohort, nor is it anything to criticize or demonize.
From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026
Economists criticize the RBA’s anonymous voting, noting other central banks like the Federal Reserve disclose individual board member votes.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026
“I don’t want to focus on the last pitch. ... I’m disappointed about the way that the game ended. I’m not going to criticize any of that,” Pujols said.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026
If people want to criticize something, she added, they could focus on the lack of basic services and electricity that residents struggle with.
From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026
“I guess I just didn’t want to hear you criticize everything like you usually do. My Spanish or my clothes,” I said.
From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
