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.
There is, in other words, much to criticize about millennial feminism, and there are many lessons to learn.
From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026
Advocates of the Haitian community have been encouraging business groups with large immigrant workforces to lobby behind the scenes if they won't publicly criticize the Trump administration.
From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026
He even dared to criticize the monarchy itself and the finances required to sustain it.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026
There are things to criticize about her and her work, and, no question, these criticisms should be lodged when appropriate.
From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026
“Oh, yes, ma’am, I do,” I defended myself quickly, not wanting her to think that I dared criticize what she had given me.
From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright
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.
