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
If people want to criticize something, she added, they could focus on the lack of basic services and electricity that residents struggle with.
From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026
He has pointedly refused to criticize the war, saying “this isn’t the moment to lecture our partners.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026
It was a charming and funny aside that some users of social media naturally used to criticize Cannavale and try to gin up a controversy.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026
I have no wish to criticize the decision the King made.
From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli
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.
