Criticize — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz/ crit·i·cize

Meaning & Definition of Criticize

Criticize (verb)

  1. to act as a critic
  2. to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly, evaluate
  3. to find fault with, point out the faults of

Criticize (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: blame, censure, condemn, denounce, deplore, dis (slang), dispraise, fault, knock, pan, reprehend, slag (chiefly British), come down hard (on), find fault (with), take to task
    related: skewer, tweak, assail, attack, blast, clobber, slam, slash, nick (at), snipe (at), beef, bellyache, bitch, carp, cavil, complain, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, kick, kvetch, moan, murmur, mutter, niggle, quibble, whine, admonish, chide, drub, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reprove, berate, castigate, crucify, excoriate, flay, gibbet, hammer, keelhaul, lambaste, lash, pillory, scold, upbraid, bad-mouth, belittle, decry, deride, discommend, disparage, put down
    opposite: extol, laud, praise
    near: approve, commend, endorse, recommend, sanction

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Criticize

The most common words with a similar meaning to Criticize:

Slang: dis
Chiefly British: slag
blame, censure, condemn, denounce, deplore, dispraise, fault, knock, pan, reprehend, come down hard (on), find fault (with), take to task

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Criticize

Words with the opposite meaning of Criticize:

extol, laud, praise

Related Words for Criticize

skewer, tweak, assail, attack, blast, clobber, slam, slash, nick (at), snipe (at), beef, bellyache, bitch, carp, cavil, complain, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, kick, kvetch, moan, murmur, mutter, niggle, quibble

Near Antonyms of Criticize

approve, commend, endorse, recommend, sanction

Word Forms of Criticize

Inflections: criticized, criticizing

Derived words: criticizable (adjective), criticizer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Criticize

critic:1 + -ize

First known use: 1621i

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Criticize

Frequently Asked Questions about Criticize

What does "Criticize" mean?

"Criticize" means to act as a critic. As a verb, it is defined as: to act as a critic.

What is another word for "Criticize"?

Other words for "Criticize" include blame, censure, condemn, denounce, deplore, dis, dispraise and fault. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Criticize" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Criticize"?

There are 73 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Criticize". Common alternatives include blame, censure, condemn, denounce, deplore, dis, dispraise, fault, knock and pan.

What is the opposite of "Criticize"?

Antonyms of "Criticize" include extol, laud and praise. Near antonyms include approve, commend, endorse and recommend.

How do you use "Criticize" in a sentence?

Examples of "Criticize" in a sentence: "people who criticize every single idea that the principal has for improving the school".

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

"Criticize" is a verb.

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

As a B2-level word, "Criticize" 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 "Criticize"?

"Criticize" is pronounced /ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz/ and divided into syllables as crit·i·cize.