Synonyms for criticism
Synonyms by meaning
Noun
1. Critique — A critical observation or detailed examination and review
critique, stricture, slam, animadversion rare, criticization rare
2. Censure — the act of criticising; a critical judgment passed or expressed
Other
review, blame, literary criticism, cavil, harangue, fault-finding
Definitions
- n. 1
The act of criticising; a critical judgment passed or expressed.
Criticism has been leveled at a number of prominent figures.
- n. 2
A critical observation or detailed examination and review.
I was stung by her harsh criticisms.
Related words
- Word family
- critic critical criticize
- Phrases
- literary criticism textual criticism higher criticism historical criticism lower criticism
- Is a kind of
- action expression
Forms
- Plural
- criticisms → critiques, strictures, slams, animadversions…
Choose the right word
Blame, censure, and disapproval may either be felt or uttered; comment, criticism, rebuke, reflection, reprehension, and reproof are always expressed.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- critique The teacher gave me a good critique on my project.
- review I just scored 15/15 on a review test for Unit II.
- blame It sounds as if he were to blame for the disaster.
- cavil He was known to cavil at most of Tom's proposals.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| criticism | steady | |
| critique | rising | |
| review | steady | |
| blame | rising | |
| harangue | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 4 letters
- slam1
- 5 letters
- blame1, cavil
- 6 letters
- review2
- 7 letters
- censure2, panning2
- 8 letters
- critique2, harangue2
- 9 letters
- stricture2, dispraise
- 13 letters
- animadversion, criticization
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (review2 = 2 syllables).