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

• criticizer noun
• criticizable adjective
• 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

The ad included audio of former Republican President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The suspended union president announced his plan to sue the mayor Thursday over what he called retaliatory actions by the mayor after he criticized her.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

We recall when Bill Clinton, as he was leaving office, was roundly criticized for pardoning fugitive financier Marc Rich after Rich’s ex-wife made large donations to Democrats and the Clinton library.

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President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs, saying they can look patriotic, but “over the long run such trade barriers hurt every American worker and consumer,” lead to “fierce trade wars” and result in lost jobs.

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Mr. Hellbeck criticizes scholars such as Timothy Snyder for supposedly failing to see the “fundamental difference” between the Nazi and Soviet regimes in their treatments of the local population and especially of the Jews.

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Related Words

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