criticize

especially British, crit·i·cise

[krit-uh-sahyz]

verb (used with object)

criticized, criticizing 

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)

criticized, criticizing 

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)

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of criticize¹

First recorded in 1640–50; critic + -ize

Example Sentences

Some users criticized the launch, warning that it could expose the locations of dissidents and protestors in autocratic states.

Read more on Barron's

One option is to limit some engagement with Beijing on projects that Washington has long criticized, such as those involving security or space research.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The newspaper had run several articles criticizing the ties John Thornton, the buyout firm’s chairman, has with China.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They bent recruiting rules, built giant stadiums and were criticized for runaway spending.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Atlanta-based investor joins another Axalta shareholder, Artisan Partners, in criticizing the terms of the deal within days of its announcement.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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