criticize
71 synonyms and 5 antonyms for criticize, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To point out faults or problems in something or someone.
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.
fault-find
nitpick
take to task
admonish
animadvert
bawl out
scorch
berate
berisp
castigate
censure
chastise
chew out
chide
denunciate
deprecate
derogate
dispraise
dress down
eat someone alive
excoriate
find fault
fulminate
get at
get down
get up
give somebody a piece of one's mind
give somebody what-for
inveigh
lace into
lambaste
lay into
light into
objurgate
pooh-pooh
put someone on blast
read somebody the riot act
rebuke
reprehend
reprimand
reproach
reprove
rip into
scold
skewer
tear into
tell off
threap
tick off
tosh
keelhaul
upbraid
vilify
vituperate
Antonyms
How to use criticize
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
criticize heavily
criticize someone for
Etymology
From critic + -ize.
Full origin of criticize →Frequently asked questions
What does “criticize” mean?
The word “criticize” means to point out faults or problems in something or someone. In plain terms, to say what's wrong with something.
How do you pronounce “criticize”?
“Criticize” is pronounced KRIH-tih-syz (/ˈkɹɪtɪsaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “criticize” in a sentence?
Here is “criticize” used in a sentence: “The coach criticized the team's poor defense.”
What is another word for “criticize”?
Words with a similar meaning to “criticize” include admonish, animadvert, bash, bawl out, slash and lash.
What is the opposite of “criticize”?
The opposite of “criticize” — its antonyms — are commend, compliment, congratulate, laud and praise.
What part of speech is “criticize”?
“Criticize” is a verb.
Is “criticize” a common word?
“Criticize” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between criticize and critique?
Critique is often used as a more neutral or professional term for giving detailed feedback, including both strengths and weaknesses, while criticize more commonly implies pointing out faults and can carry a negative or disapproving tone. In everyday use, criticize leans toward fault-finding, whereas critique suggests balanced evaluation.
Is criticize always negative?
Criticize is generally used to mean pointing out faults or problems, so it usually carries a negative connotation, unlike neutral terms such as evaluate or assess. Constructive criticism softens this somewhat by pairing the word with the goal of helping improve something.
What is the British spelling of criticize?
The British spelling is criticise, using an s instead of a z, while criticize is the standard American spelling. Both spellings are pronounced the same and mean exactly the same thing.
