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 Some party leaders have been criticized for using Nazi slogans and downplaying the Holocaust. Obed Manuel, NPR, 27 Feb. 2025 Industry insiders have criticized Phillips for its inability to control costs, citing a management team that lacks refinery expertise and relies heavily on external consultants. Joe Cornell, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 The closure also comes as the Trump administration has taken a hard line on immigration and criticized New York City’s hotel shelters and the Roosevelt in particular. Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025 The agreement is already being heavily criticized by New York City Council leaders, after prosecutors resigned in protest against a directive from Trump's Department of Justice to dismiss corruption charges against Adams so the mayor could assist with the Republican president's immigration agenda. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for criticize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize
Verb
  • The Democratic establishment’s focus on blaming Trump for those price spikes represents a stark break from its activists, who have launched a protest movement arguing that Trump is a budding dictator with no regard for the Constitution.
    Steve Peoples, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Recently, however, doctors have started reporting more cases of iodine-deficient hypothyroidism—and our salt preferences may be at least partially to blame.
    Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • House Majority Leader Matt Moonen condemned Libby in a statement on the House floor.
    Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
  • In an extraordinary illustration of the re-alignment on Ukraine, the U.S. sided with Russia in a vote against a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia, which passed on Monday with the support of the U.S.' traditional Western allies.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • City audit led to changeover As for animal control, KC Pet Project sought that contract after a 2017 city audit had faulted the city-run animal control unit for being overly focused on issuing tickets to pet owners.
    Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Hours earlier, the head of the South Florida Police Benevolent Association officers’ union, Steadman Stahl, faulted Hill for winding up on the ground while being handcuffed.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Souring consumer sentiment knocked sports stocks back 4% in February, as apparel and gear makers bore the brunt of a market wide slump.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 3 Mar. 2025
  • My ignorance about menopause knocked any such certainties firmly aside.
    Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticize. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on criticize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!