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 film was embraced by critics at Sundance and currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes . Brent Lang, Variety, 20 May 2026 Ever since Louis Malle’s masterful Lacombe Lucien was lambasted by critics during its 1974 release, more or less pushing Malle into artistic self-exile in the years that followed, French cinema has generally shied away from stories dealing with Nazi collaborators. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026 Bresnahan, meanwhile, has faced scrutiny over stock trades that critics argue undercut his previous support for congressional trading bans, an issue that featured prominently during his successful 2024 campaign. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 20 May 2026 Villaraigosa is a Becerra critic who has consistently polled at single digits in the race. Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 20 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 21 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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