Synonyms of criticize

criticize

verb

ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz 

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

• blame
• condemn
• denounce
• fault
• knock
• attack
• scold
• complain
• diss
• censure
• slam
• find fault (with)
• pan
• tweak
• dispraise
• slag
• slash
• kick
• reprehend
• lash
• admonish
• dis
• take to task
• come down hard (on)
• assail
• blast
• chide
• whine
• disparage
• grumble
• berate
• deride
• excoriate
• decry
• moan
• mutter
• crucify
• bitch
• lambast
• upbraid
• reprimand
• murmur
• nick (at)
• clobber
• belittle
• skewer
• quibble
• castigate
• cavil
• rebuke
• gripe
• snipe (at)
• beef
• grouse
• reprove
• reproach
• growl
• kvetch
• bad-mouth
• lambaste
• flay
• bellyache
• carp
• crab
• pillory
• hammer
• croak
• discommend
• fuss
• keelhaul
• niggle
• drub
• put down
• gibbet

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• praise
• extol
• laud
• approve
• recommend
• commend
• endorse
• extoll
• indorse
• sanction

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

Recent Examples of criticize

Critics of executive overreach have long criticized the Office of Legal Counsel as too permissive. —Charlie Savage, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

In a video posted to X, Brand thanked his fans for messages of support, then criticized the British government and legal system before addressing the charges directly. —Emily Trainham, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025

Universities were under fire then, too, criticized simultaneously as hotbeds of radicalism and bastions of elitism. —Andrew V. Papachristos, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025

Since his indictment, Adams has cultivated a warmer relationship with Trump, telling mayoral staffers not to criticize the president publicly. —Time, 3 Apr. 2025