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Showing results for critical. Search instead for kritika.
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.

Some experts believe the wind project is critical to California’s goal of 100% carbon neutrality by 2045 and represents a key climate change solution.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Everyone can pass judgment, and it’s critical to analyze how we wield such power.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

Parliamentarians want more money for critical sectors including agriculture.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Kyiv pushed Russia’s Black Sea Fleet back from its main maritime export channel, safeguarding critical exports of grain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 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