Synonyms for

Criticize

Verb / ˈkrɪtɪˌsaɪz / Another word for criticize — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To express disapproval or find fault with someone or something.

Synonyms & similar words

praise knock criticise pickapart condemn censure denounce reprimand rebuke reproach upbraid scold chastise berate blame fault disparage belittle deprecate malign slur

Synonyms by register

Formal

evaluate assess analyze censure

Informal

knock put down bash pick on

Literary

chastise reproach admonish

Antonyms

praise commend laud approve endorse support admire

Common collocations

  • criticize harshly
  • criticize severely
  • criticize openly
  • criticize unfairly
  • criticize constructively
  • criticize the government
  • criticize the decision

Word family

noun criticism
verb criticize
adjective critical
adverb critically

Usage note

While 'criticize' often implies negative judgment, it can also be used neutrally to mean 'evaluate' or 'analyze'. Be mindful of the context to avoid unintended negative connotations.

Example sentences

  1. She didn't want to criticize her friend's bad haircut.
  2. The teacher had to criticize the student for cheating on the test.
  3. It's not nice to criticize someone's appearance.
  4. He was criticized for not finishing his work on time.
  5. The book was criticized for being too long and boring.

Quotes

  • I can take criticism, but if it's like 'I don't like your face,' that's different. - Pink
  • Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing. - Aristotle
  • I believe that all artists are critics and all critics are artists. - Leonard Bernstein

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