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Showing results for critical. Search instead for tritical.
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.

For the U.S. to maintain a healthy level of economic growth around 2% this year, consumer spending gains are critical.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

The Strait of Hormuz is a key conduit for exports of fertilizer and natural gas, a critical ingredient for making crop nutrients.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

It also placed a stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that serves as a critical shipping route through which a fifth of the world's energy shipments usually transits.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

There could also be potential direct benefits to companies like Micron if the war ends and critical chip-making supplies can flow more easily through the Middle East, analysts note.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

He emphasized the critical importance of good lab work to determine which drugs to use for which patient.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French