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

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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 Congressional Republicans have frequently criticized the watchdog agency. —

Noam N. Levey, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025 While the sign was not impacted by the Sunset Fire, which has since been fully contained after burning 43 acres, many have criticized the viral images for spreading harmful misinformation while many in the area have had to evacuate out of fear for their lives. —

Glenn Garner, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2025 Former White House attorney Ty Cobb, who served in President-elect Trump’s first administration, sharply criticized U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon for temporarily blocking the Justice Department from releasing special counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s two prosecutions. —

Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025 Bo French, the chairman of the Tarrant County, Texas, GOP, criticized Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, alleging that an emphasis on DEI programs had undermined the military's effectiveness. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for criticize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize

Verb

And voters’ belief that its beneficiaries are complacent elitists skilled only in symbolic victory can no longer be blamed on brainwashing by right-wing media.

Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
While most economists agree that Biden was not to blame for inflation, the yearslong bout of sharp-rising prices hit Americans hard and, ultimately, cast a thick cloud over Biden’s presidency that carried through to the November election.

Alicia Wallace, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025