1
as in particular
given to making or expressing unfavorable judgments about things
adults tend to be critical of teenagers' taste in music and movies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in urgent
needing immediate attention
this problem isn't critical, so we can go home now and tend to it in the morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in crucial
of the greatest possible importance
this is the critical exam that will largely determine your college career
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in essential
impossible to do without
critical information for an informed medical diagnosis
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
critical thinking
a critical point
critical importance
a critical review
a critical period
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of critical
Navigating healthy relationships can be challenging for both teens and parents, but caution and open communication are critical to prevent acts of violence.
—
Julianna Bragg, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
Thus, the indirect costs are critical for IDeA states that have limited resources such as state support for pursuing research.
—Mitzi Nagarkatti, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025
To recap some of the obstacles, in very short order: Famously, the Wilson sisters just weren’t on speaking terms, or certainly not on rocking-together terms, anyway, for a critical chunk of the 2010s.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025
The president’s heavily critical comments came on the same day the House of Representatives voted to censure Green for his antics.
—Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for critical
Julianna Bragg, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
Thus, the indirect costs are critical for IDeA states that have limited resources such as state support for pursuing research.
—Mitzi Nagarkatti, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025
To recap some of the obstacles, in very short order: Famously, the Wilson sisters just weren’t on speaking terms, or certainly not on rocking-together terms, anyway, for a critical chunk of the 2010s.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025
The president’s heavily critical comments came on the same day the House of Representatives voted to censure Green for his antics.
—Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for critical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for critical
Adjective
-
In this situation, Trump might seek to override environmental regulations, order utility companies to buy power from particular power plants, or invoke the Defense Production Act to secure materials needed for power plant construction.—
Seth Blumsack,
The Conversation,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Built in the mid-2000s, the sprawling estate is a very particular vision of turn-of-the-21st-century luxury (see: the Tuscan kitchen replete with dark wood cabinetry).—
Paula Mejía,
Billboard,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
While industries across the board are struggling with labor shortages, the energy sector’s challenge is uniquely urgent.—
Brynn Cooksey,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
In 2025, Simone’s assessment of our despondent state of being is just as resonant, and the role of the artist is no less urgent.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Staying updated on industry advancements is crucial.—
Sivakumar Ramakrishnan,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Gold, which is universally recognized and not tied to credit or another counterparty, is a crucial reserve.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Influencing Without Authority For a tech leader, influencing without authority is essential.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
-
While safety is essential, true stability comes from economic opportunity — the chance to build a fulfilling life, regardless of your ZIP code.—
Carolina Chavez,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
As agriculture became less demanding, the sector required fewer workers, enabling erstwhile farmers to work in a spectrum of other trades, including the high-technology industries of each generation, such as textiles, telegraphs, and telecommunications.—
Matthew J. Slaughter,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
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Find early investors in your circle of family and friends, since outside investors may be very demanding on equity and content and normally require at least a prototype to start.—
Martin Zwilling,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
For transition-age foster youth—those aging out of the foster care system—this challenge is even more acute.—
First Place for Youth,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
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Saint Elizabeth in Chicago was also part of the deal, but Ascension previously announced plans to close the hospital, which sits on the city’s West Side, has 28 beds and treats acute mental illness.—
Lisa Schencker,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The world’s second-largest economy has seen sluggish growth amid tepid domestic demand and a prolonged real estate downturn, leaving exports as a key driver of growth.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Steer is expected to be a key right-handed bat in the Reds' outfield while also playing a role as a rotational infielder.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Additional studies are necessary to understand how acetyl-L-carnitine impacts neuropathy and whether the benefit depends on the type of neuropathy.—
Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN,
Verywell Health,
7 Mar. 2025
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The market, says Lau, is a necessary evolution, with people moving in from out of state and the older generation of Mills 50 business owners retiring.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
Orlando Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to critical
Cite this Entry
“Critical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/critical. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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