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
Ferrucci, the journalism professor, dismissed both criticisms.
—
Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 1 Aug. 2025
Mayor Karen Bass’ office has also pledged to make moves to reduce red tape for film and TV projects in L.A. amid multiple criticisms about the difficulties and expenses of planning shoots.
—Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2025
Local activists have increased criticism of the Falcon 9 landing agreement since then, which remains under review.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2025
Trump's new tariffs are hitting several countries' imports harder than the rates that had initially been announced for those nations on April 2.
Brazil's rate jumped from 10% to 50%, as Trump ramps up criticism of the country's treatment of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
—Dan Mangan,christina Wilkie,erin Doherty,sophie Kiderlin,ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for criticism
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Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 1 Aug. 2025
Mayor Karen Bass’ office has also pledged to make moves to reduce red tape for film and TV projects in L.A. amid multiple criticisms about the difficulties and expenses of planning shoots.
—Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2025
Local activists have increased criticism of the Falcon 9 landing agreement since then, which remains under review.
—Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2025
Trump's new tariffs are hitting several countries' imports harder than the rates that had initially been announced for those nations on April 2.
Brazil's rate jumped from 10% to 50%, as Trump ramps up criticism of the country's treatment of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
—Dan Mangan,christina Wilkie,erin Doherty,sophie Kiderlin,ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 1 Aug. 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 6 Aug. 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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