criticize
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
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to find fault; judge unfavorably or harshly.
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to make judgments as to merits and faults.
verb
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to judge (something) with disapproval; censure
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to evaluate or analyse (something)
Other Word Forms
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criticizableadjective
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criticizernoun
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criticizinglyadverb
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noncriticizingadjective
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overcriticizeverb
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precriticizeverb (used with object)
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recriticizeverb (used with object)
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uncriticizableadjective
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uncriticizablyadverb
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uncriticizedadjective
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uncriticizingadjective
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uncriticizinglyadverb
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well-criticizedadjective
Etymology
Origin of criticize
Explanation
To criticize is to find what's wrong with something, like the improbabilities in a movie's plot line, or double standards in your father's rules. The verb criticize comes from the noun, critic, and means "to act like a critic." A critic is someone who judges, and that doesn't have to mean negative judgment (think of a glowing movie review from a movie critic), but when we use criticize we always mean finding what's wrong, instead of what's good, with something. If your friend is just learning to bake, don't criticize his first batch of burned cookies too harshly; he'll just give up.
Vocabulary lists containing criticize
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 3
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The Language of Standardized Tests, List 2
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The New SAT: The Language of the Test
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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.
It is really hard to criticize that as being not strong enough.
From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026
There is, in other words, much to criticize about millennial feminism, and there are many lessons to learn.
From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026
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
Scornfully watching the chaotic maneuvers, the Warlord would criticize first one then the other for the shortcomings of the creatures they represented.
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
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.
