critic

1 of 2

noun (1)

crit·​ic ˈkri-tik How to pronounce critic (audio)
Synonyms of criticnext
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

critic

2 of 2

noun (2)

1
archaic : criticism
2
archaic : critique

Synonyms of critic

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
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Noun
This journey culminated in the 2018 production at Glyndebourne, which accomplished the feat of finally reducing (most of) the London critics to abashed admiration. Russell Platt, New Yorker, 20 May 2026 Among all critics, the Rotten Tomatoes score is a mediocre 60%, but these are critics who are often highly incentivized to celebrate major studio releases and increase their access. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2026 His critics accuse him of crony capitalism and of gaining preferential treatment from the government, including in winning contracts, which the group has denied. Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026 If the critics are right, and the technology turns Hollywood into more of an assembly line for derivative, soulless cash grabs, the same people urging the business to accept AI may regret not putting up a fight. Brent Lang, Variety, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for critic

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

borrowed from Latin criticus, borrowed from Greek kritikós, derivative of kritikós, adjective, "discerning, capable of judging," from kritós "separated, picked out" (verbal adjective of krī́nein "to separate, choose, decide, judge") + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at certain entry 1

Noun (2)

borrowed from French critique critique entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Noun (2)

1616, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of critic was in 1587

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Critic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/critic. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

critic

noun
crit·​ic
ˈkrit-ik
1
: a person who makes or gives a judgment of the value, worth, beauty, or excellence of something
2

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