Synonym Chooser

How does the verb criticize differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of criticize are censure, condemn, denounce, reprehend, and reprobate. While all these words mean "to find fault with openly," criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

Where would censure be a reasonable alternative to criticize?

In some situations, the words censure and criticize are roughly equivalent. However, censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

When might condemn be a better fit than criticize?

While the synonyms condemn and criticize are close in meaning, condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

How are the words denounce and condemn related as synonyms of criticize?

Denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

When is it sensible to use reprehend instead of criticize?

Although the words reprehend and criticize have much in common, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

When could reprobate be used to replace criticize?

The synonyms reprobate and criticize are sometimes interchangeable, but reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of criticize Democrats have criticized the governor in the past for taking longer to fill vacancies in Democratic-leaning districts that in those dominated by the GOP. Steven Lemongello, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025 Many people — including celebrity moms like Allison Kuch and fellow SYTYCD alum Witney Carson — have taken to the brand's Instagram comments section to criticize Happiest Baby. Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025 The 24-year-old's post has since drawn over 12,000 upvotes, sparking debate among viewers online with many criticizing the bride's actions. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have sharply criticized the other Supreme Court judges for declining to hear a case called Alabama v. California. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for criticize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize
Verb
  • Losing at home to Tennessee, even with a backup quarterback, and at home to Arizona cannot be blamed entirely on the front office.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Neighbors blame that for a host of health issues stemming from noise pollution caused by fans cooling the mine’s thousands of computers.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • President Donald Trump in his election campaign condemned student protests against Israel's military action in Gaza, which followed the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Immediately, a slew of over 400 A-list Hollywood power players condemned such an action.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Whereas, for example, if AI is part of a feature set, one component faulting does not necessarily cause the user to feel their tasks have been impeded.
    Agur Jõgi, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Critics also fault a lack of government investment in infrastructure.
    Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Continue reading … Click here for more cartoons… MEDIA 'GOTTA BE UPSET' – NYT columnist knocks Obama's legacy as '0-for-3' on some of his biggest proposals.
    FOXNews.com, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The Reacher star recently revealed that he was knocked unconscious while filming a fight scene for the Season 3 finale of his Prime Video series, which is now available to stream on the platform.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticize. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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