Critic — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈkri-tik/ crit·ic

Meaning & Definition of Critic

Critic (noun)

  1. one who engages often professionally in the analysis, evaluation, or appreciation of works of art or artistic performances
  2. one who expresses a reasoned opinion on any matter especially involving a judgment of its value, truth, righteousness, beauty, or technique
  3. one given to harsh or captious judgment
  4. criticism
  5. critique

Critic (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person given to harsh judgments and to finding faults

    "the president's hard-core critics are going to attack him no matter what he does"

    similar: carper, castigator, caviler, censurer, criticizer, disparager, faultfinder, hypercritic, knocker, niggler, nitpicker
    related: condemner, denouncer, belittler, decrier, denigrator, derider, detractor, assailant, attacker, crucifier, criticaster, hairsplitter, pettifogger, quibbler, admonisher, haranguer, railer, ranter, rebuker, reproacher, reprover, scold, upbraider, bellyacher, complainer, crybaby, fusser, griper, grouch, grouser, grumbler, whiner
    near: commender, praiser

  2. a person who makes or expresses a judgment on the quality of offerings in some field of endeavor

    "the restaurant critic said that the fries at that fast-food outlet were the worst she'd ever eaten"

    similar: pundit, reviewer
    related: analyst, annotator, columnist, commentator, observer, appraiser, evaluator, judge, referee

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Critic

The most common words with a similar meaning to Critic:

carper, castigator, caviler, censurer, criticizer, disparager, faultfinder, hypercritic, knocker, niggler, nitpicker, pundit, reviewer

Related Words for Critic

condemner, denouncer, belittler, decrier, denigrator, derider, detractor, assailant, attacker, crucifier, criticaster, hairsplitter, pettifogger, quibbler, admonisher, haranguer, railer, ranter, rebuker, reproacher, reprover, scold, upbraider, bellyacher, complainer, crybaby, fusser, griper, grouch, grouser

Near Antonyms of Critic

commender, praiser

Origin & Etymology of Critic

borrowed from Latin criticus, borrowed from Greek kritikós, derivative of kritikós, adjective, "discerning, capable of judging," from kritós "separated, picked out" (verbal adjective of krī́nein "to separate, choose, decide, judge") + -ikos -ic:1 certain:1

First known use: 1587

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Critic

Words & Phrases Containing Critic

textual critic, form criticism, higher criticism, New Criticism

Frequently Asked Questions about Critic

What does "Critic" mean?

"Critic" means one who engages often professionally in the analysis, evaluation, or appreciation of works of art or artistic performances. As a noun, it is defined as: one who engages often professionally in the analysis, evaluation, or appreciation of works of art or artistic performances. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Critic"?

Other words for "Critic" include carper, castigator, caviler, censurer, criticizer, disparager, faultfinder and hypercritic. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Critic" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Critic"?

There are 54 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Critic". Common alternatives include carper, castigator, caviler, censurer, criticizer, disparager, faultfinder, hypercritic, knocker and niggler.

How do you use "Critic" in a sentence?

Examples of "Critic" in a sentence: "the president's hard-core critics are going to attack him no matter what he does"; "the restaurant critic said that the fries at that fast-food outlet were the worst she'd ever eaten".

Is "Critic" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Critic" is a noun.

Is "Critic" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Critic" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Critic"?

"Critic" is pronounced /ˈkri-tik/ and divided into syllables as crit·ic.

What is the origin of the word "Critic"?

"Critic" comes from borrowed from Latin criticus, borrowed from Greek kritikós, derivative of kritikós, adjective, "discerning, capable of judging," from kritós "separated, picked out" (verbal adjective of krī́nein "to separate, choose, decide, judge") + -ikos -ic:1 certain:1. First known use: 1587.