1
as in judgmental
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of critical
The breakaway region of Somaliland offered the US a critical minerals deal in exchange for diplomatic recognition, becoming the latest territory to leverage resources for favorable treatment from Washington.
—
Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 30 July 2025
Federal money is critical for our big projects, like the Brent Spence Bridge, as well as standard operations, especially properly investing in police and fire to keep our city safe.
—Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
Emergency crews are working to assess damage and restore critical infrastructure.
—Barney Henderson
robert Birsel
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
The blocking feature is a critical one, says Stephen Balkam, founder and CEO of the Family Online Safety Institute, a nonprofit organization aiming to make the online world safer for kids and their families.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for critical
Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 30 July 2025
Federal money is critical for our big projects, like the Brent Spence Bridge, as well as standard operations, especially properly investing in police and fire to keep our city safe.
—Sharon Coolidge, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
Emergency crews are working to assess damage and restore critical infrastructure.
—Barney Henderson
robert Birsel
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
The blocking feature is a critical one, says Stephen Balkam, founder and CEO of the Family Online Safety Institute, a nonprofit organization aiming to make the online world safer for kids and their families.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for critical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for critical
Adjective
-
There’s birdsong off and on and a few judgmental squirrels, but no Shane.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
22 July 2025
-
For people who feel marginalized, bots seem less judgmental than humans.—
Yasmin Green,
Foreign Affairs,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
Sutton added that with higher participation in an opt-in system, emergency managers could use that channel for less urgent alerts and conserve IPAWS alerts for the most high-risk situations.—
Bayliss Wagner,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
-
For many who’ve been on the ground preventing violence in their communities, the debate at the Capitol feels urgent.—
Andrea May Sahouri,
Freep.com,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, the politically crucial centrist group shifted back into net positive territory for Trump in July, giving him a +4 approval rating, up from -6 last month.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Staying on top of harvesting is especially crucial for this herb.—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The truth is, digestion is an essential part of the wellness and health conversation.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
15 July 2025
-
Hoka Vibrant Bloom Clifton Sneakers Walking countless miles exploring Mediterranean ports, Hoka's Vibrant Bloom Clifton Sneakers were essential for feeling comfortable.—
Alexis Benveniste,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
This is sometimes called an acute dystonia reaction.—
Ruth Jessen Hickman,
Health,
25 July 2025
-
In Gaza City, 16% of 15,000 children were found to suffer from acute malnutrition, quadruple the percentage from February.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
Local school districts are assessing the future stability of key student services, including funding for student achievement and English acquisition, after the U.S. Department of Education paused the release of $6 billion in funding this month.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
-
More key members of the team tasked with bringing the East Bank development to life have been selected, and a construction timeline is emerging.—
Molly Davis,
The Tennessean,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
Inside lane closures may be necessary along the highways as crews complete the work.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
30 July 2025
-
Healthier Skin Papaya contains vitamins A and C, which are necessary for healthy skin and collagen production.4 Collagen provides strength and elasticity to skin.—
Jessica Swirble,
Verywell Health,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Direct costs are the immediate costs of a specific piece of research; indirect costs are those that cannot be directly connected to a particular project but which are necessary for research.—
Clifford Ando,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
Is there any particular song that a band member fights for?—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Critical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/critical. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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