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.

"Copper is on the strategic list of critical metals in Europe, the United States, and China," Krzyzewski tells AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Analysts have warned of shortages of fertilizer, necessary for farming, and helium, a critical component for medical machinery and chip production.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The woman remains in a critical condition, officers said.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Improving energy efficiency is critical as wireless data demand continues to rise.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

He had captured all the critical ingredients of evolution.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

critical

Example Sentences

Related Words