criticism

noun

ˈkri-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce criticism (audio)
Definition of criticismnext
as in critique
an essay evaluating or analyzing something every criticism of the movie has noted that there are major holes in its plot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 criticism Lujan Grisham also weighed in on the criticism that the Democratic Governors Association has received for not investing more in the Texas gubernatorial race. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026 What readers are saying The comments reflect a strong criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with many accusing him of being responsible for security failures and likening him to a war criminal. — Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026 Some observers note that the court seems to have changed one practice on account of public criticism. — Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2026 Cairo removed a mural of Pharaoh Tutankhamun and Queen Neferti following criticism that their skin looked too dark. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for criticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for criticism
  1. critique
  2. review
Noun
  • Pi-o receives an unsigned postcard from the Czech Republic offering some friendly critiques.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Kingsolver makes this a more complicated notion by gradually revealing Livia’s secrets as well as her mother’s, and the two characters’ interactions exist in a realm beyond a simple critique driven by rural sexism or small-mindedness.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of critique
Noun
  • The statement, which named neither Hur nor anyone else, accepted that every film attracts harsh reviews along with praise, and asked who could draw an exact line between fair and excessive criticism.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • This story is based on 15 interviews and a review of hundreds of pages of legal documents, as well as Fox's own broadcasts.
    — David Folkenflik, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of review

Browse Nearby Words

criticasters
criticism
criticisms
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Cite this Entry

“Criticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/criticism. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on criticism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about criticism

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