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
The 'Sons of Anarchy' alum decided to go without the opinions of his critics — and his supporters. Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Jan. 2026 The monologue prompted strong backlash from critics, who cast Dokoupil’s remarks as pandering. Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Jan. 2026 Hirakawa's team argue that their research is the first time that RNA has been produced in the lab without humans getting involved, although critics argue that even the act of putting all the building blocks of RNA together in a test tube is a human intervention. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026 The aftermath of the Venezuela operation is leaving the president's critics in Congress both happy Maduro is gone and struggling to see what's next. Chris Tye, CBS News, 5 Jan. 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 6 Jan. 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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