critical
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for critical, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Extremely important, often because a lot depends on it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use critical
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin criticus + the adjective suffix -al, ultimately from Greek kritikos, "able to judge."
Full origin of critical →Frequently asked questions
What does “critical” mean?
The word “critical” means extremely important, often because a lot depends on it. In plain terms, either "extremely important," "fault-finding," or "in a dangerous condition," depending on context.
How do you pronounce “critical”?
“Critical” is pronounced KRIHT-ih-kuhl (/ˈkɹɪt.ɪ.kəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “critical” in a sentence?
Here is “critical” used in a sentence: “Getting enough sleep is critical for good health.”
What part of speech is “critical”?
“Critical” is an adjective.
Where does the word “critical” come from?
The word “critical” comes from Latin. From Latin criticus + the adjective suffix -al, ultimately from Greek kritikos, "able to judge.".
Is “critical” a common word?
“Critical” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “critical” have?
“Critical” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extremely important, often because a lot depends on it.
What is the difference between critical and crucial?
Both describe something extremely important, and they often overlap. Critical stresses high stakes — a moment where failure could be serious or even dangerous. Crucial stresses that something is decisive, the factor a result depends on. A critical situation may be dangerous; a crucial decision is the one that determines the outcome.
Does critical always mean important?
No. Critical has several senses. It can mean extremely important, as in a critical stage. It can also mean finding fault or expressing disapproval, as in a critical review. In academic use it means analytical and evaluative, as in critical thinking. Context tells you which meaning applies.
Is critical a positive or negative word?
It depends on the meaning. When it describes importance — a critical decision — it is neutral, simply signalling that a lot is at stake. When it describes criticism — being critical of someone — it carries a negative tone. And in critical thinking it is positive, praising careful judgement.
What is an example of critical in a sentence?
In the sense of extremely important, you might say, 'The next few hours are critical to the patient's recovery,' meaning a great deal depends on them. Other examples include 'a critical shortage of water' or 'reaching a critical point,' where the word signals urgency and high stakes.