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.
That’s part of why some startups criticize SPVs.
From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026
Historically, we used to define it as: Judges should speak nicely to each other, and then maybe we shouldn’t criticize each other.
From Slate • May 12, 2026
Eduardo Sanchez lauds the company’s economic impact and is hesitant to criticize the smelter.
From Salon • May 10, 2026
“If anyone wants to criticize me for proclaiming the gospel, let them do so with truth—the church has spoken against all nuclear weapons for years,” Leo told reporters on Tuesday.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
He wanted to help Reyna, but since his own strategy was to deal with his problems alone, spurning anyone who tried to get close, he couldn’t exactly criticize Reyna for doing the same thing.
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
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.
