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.

Odesa has long been a critical theater in the war.

From The Wall Street Journal

China is gaining political leverage in the region by spending money on infrastructure projects and extracting critical minerals, energy and other natural resources.

From The Wall Street Journal

Department of Interior’s list of critical minerals this year, given copper’s role in wiring, power generation and electrical transmissions, all which are essential to the AI buildout.

From MarketWatch

Season 1 ran well under the radar of most viewers, but it received critical raves.

From MarketWatch

“Los Angeles has played such a critical role in the zero-emissions auto industry,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

critical

Example Sentences

Related Words