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Showing results for critical.
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 AI expert and investigative journalist’s book is a critical investigation into the rise of OpenAI and its impact on society.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Strategists expect this focus on resiliency to spur a restocking, not just in energy but also critical commodities.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

This is critical to the success of negotiations, and it no doubt had something to do with Iran’s concession on the Strait.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

“We see this as being a potentially critical part of the long-run effects of AI on the labor market, but it is unclear how quickly that will unfold,” said Richmond.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

How did Homo sapiens manage to cross this critical threshold, eventually founding cities comprising tens of thousands of inhabitants and empires ruling hundreds of millions?

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari

Vocabulary lists containing critical

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

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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!