CRITICIZE Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

criticize

verb

ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz

Definition of criticize next

as in to blame

to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of people who criticize every single idea that the principal has for improving the school

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The actress also criticized the 2021 Oscars ceremony, held amid the Covid-19 pandemic. —

Cnn En Español, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025 Ferro expressed growing disillusionment with the prospects for democracy in Venezuela, criticizing the Trump administration for its silence on Venezuela’s opposition figures since a trip to Caracas on Friday by Trump’s special envoy, Richard Grenell. —

Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2025 Additionally, Vance also strongly criticized the Biden Administration’s response. —

Misti Allison, TIME, 1 Feb. 2025 SpaceX also criticized delays in licensing Starship test flights last year. —

Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for criticize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize

Verb

What People Are Saying President Donald Trump blamed diversity, equity and inclusion efforts for the crash and also questioned the helicopter crew's actions during a news conference on Thursday.

— Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
After calling for a moment of silence in the White House press briefing room on Thursday, Trump went on the attack, blaming the tragedy on his Democratic predecessors and their emphasis on diversity in hiring.

— Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025