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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.

“The scientific community … is providing critical services to ensure that the astronauts are able to carry out their mission safely, and yet at the same time, they’re facing this significant cut.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Thus, while transplantation never became a widespread treatment for solid tumors, it remains a critical option for several blood cancers and has found new relevance beyond oncology.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

While scientific data is critical, it is social and cultural systems that have consistently enabled societies to adapt and succeed.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

She argued that two-way collaboration was critical: if developing nations are to help destroy fraud networks, wealthier countries need to share their technical expertise and resources too.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

She scrolls through the top hits: movie posters, critical reviews, a link to a trailer.

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day

Vocabulary lists containing critical

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!