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Definitions

criticism

[krit-uh-siz-uhm] / ˈkrɪt əˌsɪz əm /
NOUN
interpretation, analysis
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assessment comment critique judgment opinion review
STRONG
appraisal appreciation commentary elucidation essay estimate evaluation examination exposition notice observation pan rating rave scorcher sideswipe study
WEAK
reviewal sleighride write-up
Antonyms
STRONG
heedlessness neglect
WEAK
approval compliment estimation guess praise supposition
NOUN
verbal disapproval
Synonyms
STRONGEST
denunciation objection
STRONG
animadversion aspersion blast brickbats carping cavil censure cut disparagement faultfinding flak hit knock opprobrium pan quibble reproof roast slam slap static stricture swipe vitriol zapper
WEAK
Bronx cheer bad press call down caviling critical remarks nit-picking panning put down rap on knuckles slap on wrist
Antonyms
STRONG
approval compliment flattery praise sanction
WEAK
estimation guess supposition

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 agency has faced criticism locally for years for lack of proper oversight and the county is in the process of transitioning programs to an internal department.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Despite this, Traoré has gained a huge following across the continent for his pan-Africanist vision and criticism of Western influence.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

The acquisition has drawn criticism from across the tech world for the risk of betraying editorial independence.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

BMI has faced increasing criticism in recent years because it does not directly measure body fat or account for how fat is distributed in the body.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

He gets criticism from the congregation for both getups.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.