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

Examples 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 Real Madrid star Fede Valverde's partner Mina Bonino used social media to criticize the first team's manager Carlo Ancelotti, plus its forwards, during an eventual shock 3-1 home loss to AC Milan on Tuesday. Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 At the rally, the Republican hit several familiar notes, hinting at election fraud, insulting his opponents and criticizing Harris over immigration and the economy. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Last week, over 500 employees signed a letter to the Amazon Web Services CEO, Matt Garman, criticizing the company’s RTO mandate from three days a week to five. Alena Botros, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024 But the relationship between the two continued to sour, with Gallant criticizing Netanyahu for failing to put forward a vision for the Gaza Strip after Israel defeated Hamas, and failing to reach a cease-fire deal to release hostages held by Hamas. Laura Kelly, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for criticize 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize
Verb
  • Alexis no longer blames herself for her baby’s death.
    Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Many Californians initially blamed Pete Wilson, who had become California’s governor in 1991.
    Eladio B. Bobadilla / Made by History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Hochul was still speaking when New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued a statement from the other side of the Hudson River condemning the plan and vowing to sue to stop it from going into effect.
    Corky Siemaszko, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • As philosopher George Santayana reminds us, those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it.
    Josh Becker, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Do not fault yourself for your process to get to progress.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2024
  • The other driver in the April 10 Las Vegas accident, who was taken to the hospital, was faulted for failing to yield the right of way, according to the police report.
    Akash Sriram and Abhirup Roy, USA TODAY, 5 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • The 49ers knocked LaFleur’s Packers out of the playoffs in 2019, 2021 and 2023.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
  • In the second half, with Houston owning a 20-10 lead, the Cowboys were knocking on the doorstep, looking at fourth-and-2 from the Texans’ 8-yard line.
    Scott Thompson, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near criticize

Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticize. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on criticize

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