1
a
: one who engages often professionally in the analysis, evaluation, or appreciation of works of art or artistic performances
a literary critic
a film critic
a theater critic
b
: one who expresses a reasoned opinion on any matter especially involving a judgment of its value, truth, righteousness, beauty, or technique
Critics of the new law say that it will not reduce crime.
2
: one given to harsh or captious judgment
a fierce critic of immigration policies
Examples of critic in a Sentence
Noun (1)
the president's hard-core critics are going to attack him no matter what he does
the restaurant critic said that the fries at that fast-food outlet were the worst she'd ever eaten
Recent Examples on the Web
Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026
This is the full context for why, despite the slings and arrows of critics, Isom deserves credit for navigating a uniquely challenging situation with aplomb.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 16 Feb. 2026
Gavin Newsom’s fundraiser for Keisha Lance Bottoms stirs critics.
—Adam Beam, AJC.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Conservative critics have become increasingly vocal against the fields in recent years, but ethnic and gender studies are not new fields.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for critic
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Noun
The same is true today, more than critics care to admit.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026
This is the full context for why, despite the slings and arrows of critics, Isom deserves credit for navigating a uniquely challenging situation with aplomb.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 16 Feb. 2026
Gavin Newsom’s fundraiser for Keisha Lance Bottoms stirs critics.
—Adam Beam, AJC.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Conservative critics have become increasingly vocal against the fields in recent years, but ethnic and gender studies are not new fields.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for critic
Cite this Entry
“Critic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/critic. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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