criticize

[ 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)

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

In May, social media star and food critic Keith Lee criticized the lack of chicken in his burrito bowl, saying Chipotle’s “portions been crazy low.”

From Salon

He was taken into custody by local police and had a firearm, fake I.D. and a handwritten manifesto that criticized healthcare companies.

From Salon

The move was criticized as illegal and irresponsible by Palestinians but celebrated in Israel.

From Los Angeles Times

He was also carrying a handwritten manifesto that criticized healthcare companies for "putting profits above care," law enforcement sources told The New York Times.

From Salon

Carvey laid into the appearance of the pseudo-Gaetz, telling him it "looks like your forehead is trying to go to heaven without you" before criticizing his "little sexual peccadilloes."

From Salon

Related Words

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