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 Another administrator criticized the idea of any transfer restrictions, warning with college sports creating a transfer portal that allows athletes to switch freely every season, high school sports would be falling behind in the changing environment. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025 Jackson is now a Republican U.S. Representative and openly criticized Biden’s health throughout his presidency. Haisten Willis, The Washington Examiner, 12 Apr. 2025 That trip revealed how wide the gulf can be between Toronto Maple Leafs home games, criticized for years for being relatively quiet affairs, and other sporting events. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 The organization has also been criticized by Justice Department leaders for its efforts to promote diversity in accrediting law schools. Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for criticize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize
Verb
  • They are blamed for a mysterious illness that’s starting to spread – said to be passed through a single gaze, when one man falls in love with another.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Last month, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Trump's tariffs were partly to blame for price increases that had taken place in February.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The decision was condemned by civil society groups such as SECTION 2, which advocates for domestic ownership.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The White House visit is a significant achievement for Bukele, whose authoritarian tactics to remain in power were condemned by the Biden administration just a few years ago.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And on a day that felt like a pressure-cooker, temperature-wise, no one could fault her.
    Jeff Miller, HollywoodReporter, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The mayor faulted the accelerated consideration of the anti-fluoridation legislation, which did not go through the commission’s routine committee process.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • You could be struck by falling debris or knocked to the ground.
    Maya Wei-Haas, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The American League East, almost always led in spending by the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, now has another club knocking at the vault door.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticize. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on criticize

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