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.

Both were critical of officials and leading politicians.

From BBC

He said alignment with shareholders is critical, and this was his way of demonstrating his interests were aligned with theirs.

From MarketWatch

Carney said the two countries should cooperate further to boost sovereign capabilities including in the areas of critical minerals, defence and AI.

From BBC

Much of the coltan and other critical minerals, like tungsten, that are mined in the Venezuelan jungle are ultimately shipped to China.

From The Wall Street Journal

Learning how these parasites divide and reproduce is critical for finding ways to stop the disease.

From Science Daily

critical

Example Sentences

Related Words