Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for critical. Search instead for critica.
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.

For the U.S. to maintain a healthy level of economic growth around 2% this year, consumer spending gains are critical.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

U.S. bases in Europe serve as a critical hub of global U.S. military operations, as well as provide an economic boon to the host country through investment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Field Marshall Munir was even more overtly critical.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Because Qatar is a major supplier to Asia of liquified natural gas and helium — both critical inputs for semiconductor manufacturing — a cease-fire will significantly reduce pressure for memory companies, he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

“The times are critical and dangerous and I must have you here to assist me....You must leave the farm to the mercy of the winds. I can do nothing without you.”

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis