criticism
noun
crit·i·cism
ˈkri-tə-ˌsi-zəm 
1
a
: the act of criticizing usually unfavorably
seeking encouragement rather than criticism
b
: a critical observation or remark
an unfair criticism
had a minor criticism of the design
c
: critique
2
: the art of evaluating or analyzing works of art or literature
also
: writings expressing such evaluation or analysis
an anthology of literary criticism
3
: the scientific investigation of literary documents (such as the Bible) in regard to such matters as origin, text, composition, or history
Examples of criticism in a Sentence
There was much public criticism directed at the senator.
In this job you need to be able to take criticism.
I asked my sister for some constructive criticism of my essay before I tried to revise it.
I had one minor criticism about her design.
Recent Examples on the Web
The move came after White House staffers lobbed criticism at comments made by Ruffin that were critical of the Trump administration.
—
James Powel, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
This comes as the Trump administration has faced growing criticisms for its hurried proceedings to remove as many noncitizens from the country as quickly as possible.
—Alana Wise, NPR, 26 Apr. 2025
An overcrowded location Another criticism of Congonhas Airport was that it was tucked in the middle of a dense cityscape, making its short runway that much more dangerous.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Both of these extremes — idealization and constant criticism — are signs of power imbalance in the early stages of a relationship.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for criticism
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James Powel, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
This comes as the Trump administration has faced growing criticisms for its hurried proceedings to remove as many noncitizens from the country as quickly as possible.
—Alana Wise, NPR, 26 Apr. 2025
An overcrowded location Another criticism of Congonhas Airport was that it was tucked in the middle of a dense cityscape, making its short runway that much more dangerous.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Both of these extremes — idealization and constant criticism — are signs of power imbalance in the early stages of a relationship.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for criticism
Cite this Entry
“Criticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criticism. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
criticism
noun
crit·i·cism
ˈkrit-ə-ˌsiz-əm
1
: the act of criticizing and especially of finding fault
2
: a critical remark or comment
3
: a careful judgment or review especially by a critic
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