CRITICIZE Synonyms: 85 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

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

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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

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 The clash between Ossoff and Piker comes as members of the Jewish community in Atlanta have criticized the Jewish Democrat, largely over his votes to block certain arms sales to Israel. — Joseph Strauss, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 Weeks later, Councilmember Raman and safe streets advocates who pushed for the project criticized Bass’s decision in the wake of a fatal crash. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Celebs illegally smoking cigarettes in the bathroom At the 2017 Met Gala, a group of A-list stars turned a Metropolitan Museum of Art bathroom into an impromptu smoking lounge — and the moment was publicly criticized. — Alyssa Modos, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 In April, 2025, Forstag criticized the cuts at a rally organized by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for criticize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticize

Verb

Heaping credit onto Espada is dangerous, but so is blaming him for every game that goes awry.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
That war ended in a humiliating defeat by an enemy regarded as much weaker, and many tsarist officials blamed the outcome on Japanese spies and saboteurs.

— Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of blame

Verb

There, the tyrannical February has condemned its inhabitants to eternal winter and forbids them from flying, while a masked resistance movement known as The Solution fights to restore light and freedom.

— Alexandra Patterson, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
His government has consistently avoided criticizing Morocco, but Sánchez condemned comments from two Moroccan ministers questioning the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla, another Spain's other territory in North Africa.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of condemn

Verb

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) was blindsided on Tuesday when two members of his caucus voted with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to put a resolution denouncing socialism on the floor for a full vote.

— Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026
During the news conference, Sheinbaum denounced the idea that the music contest was a form of censorship.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of denounce

Verb

Wiener defended the narrower bill and argued opponents were faulting it for not going far enough rather than focusing on what the bill would do.

— Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Critics have faulted Meta over many of its safety features that users have to manually turn on, or opt into themselves.

— Barbara Ortutay, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of fault

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“Criticize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticize. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of criticize

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