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Definitions

critical

[krit-i-kuhl] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl /
ADJECTIVE
fault-finding, detracting
Synonyms
STRONGEST
demanding
WEAK
analytical belittling biting calumniatory captious carping caviling cavillous censorious censuring choleric condemning critic cutting cynical demeaning derogatory diagnostic disapproving discerning discriminating disparaging exacting exceptive finicky fussy hairsplitting humbling hypercritical lowering nagging niggling nit-picking overcritical particular penetrating reproachful sarcastic satirical scolding severe sharp trenchant withering
Antonyms
WEAK
complimentary laudatory praising trivial uncritical unimportant
ADJECTIVE
urgently important
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crucial dangerous decisive dire integral perilous pivotal precarious risky serious significant strategic urgent vital
WEAK
acute all-important bottom-line climacteric conclusive consequential deciding desperate determinative exceptive grave hairy hazardous high-priority momentous pressing weighty
Antonyms
STRONGEST
certain inessential minor safe secure sure trivial unimportant unnecessary
WEAK
complimentary laudatory praising uncritical

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Speeding up product-development cycles has been a critical target for Hill, who is trying to revive Nike’s flagging sales in part by getting the company to innovate faster.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

It was critical for Apple to amp up its social media presence if it wanted to reach a younger demographic.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Nvidia and other Big Tech companies make up such a large portion of the S&P 500 that it’s been hard for the index to advance without positive momentum from its most critical components.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Pakistan has also promised access to its critical minerals, which the US sees as a national-security interest.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

“It is critical that we work with social scientists,” said Krippner.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone

Vocabulary lists containing critical

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 2

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!