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.
"To be sure, the President is entitled to criticize this or any other reporting, and he can express his own views as he sees fit," the judge wrote.
From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026
There is, in other words, much to criticize about millennial feminism, and there are many lessons to learn.
From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026
People who criticize the food are losers, and will never understand.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026
He even dared to criticize the monarchy itself and the finances required to sustain it.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026
Pai watched them a moment, mouth tight and eyes suspicious, but evidently he found nothing to criticize, for he turned suddenly and strode away.
From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
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.
