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
“I don’t want to focus on the last pitch. ... I’m disappointed about the way that the game ended. I’m not going to criticize any of that,” Pujols said.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026
He even dared to criticize the monarchy itself and the finances required to sustain it.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026
Hence, an episode interwoven with his anti-war, anti-nuke and anti-corporate profiteering planks also enabled him to criticize broadcast media’s lack of inclusion.
From Salon • Feb. 22, 2026
Nobody better not criticize yuh in mah hearin’.”
From "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston
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.
