CRITICIZE Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

criticize

verb

ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz

Definition of criticize next

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

Relevance

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

Examples 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 Real Madrid star Fede Valverde's partner Mina Bonino used social media to criticize the first team's manager Carlo Ancelotti, plus its forwards, during an eventual shock 3-1 home loss to AC Milan on Tuesday. —

Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 At the rally, the Republican hit several familiar notes, hinting at election fraud, insulting his opponents and criticizing Harris over immigration and the economy. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Last week, over 500 employees signed a letter to the Amazon Web Services CEO, Matt Garman, criticizing the company’s RTO mandate from three days a week to five. —

Alena Botros, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024 But the relationship between the two continued to sour, with Gallant criticizing Netanyahu for failing to put forward a vision for the Gaza Strip after Israel defeated Hamas, and failing to reach a cease-fire deal to release hostages held by Hamas. —

Laura Kelly, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for criticize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize

Verb

The spokesperson noted that the failure to win a loan guarantee from the German government wasn't down to Lilium's technology, but instead was blamed on disagreement in parliament from the Green Party over funding an air travel company.

Nicole Kobie, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
An American citizen has died at a popular adventure spot in Laos where alcohol tainted with methanol has been blamed for a spate of poisonings in recent days.

Mithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 22 Nov. 2024