Definition of CRITICISM (original) (raw)
1
a
: the act of criticizing usually unfavorably
seeking encouragement rather than criticism
b
: a critical observation or remark
had a minor criticism of the design
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
Synonyms
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 The commission has faced plenty of criticism over the decades, often from candidates who stumbled under the bright lights and wanted someone to blame. —
Mark Barabak, The Mercury News, 21 June 2024 At the meeting − held a day after organizers held a press conference to support the event amid criticism − Heather Hough, the Milwaukee Police Department’s chief of staff, said that children having guns was the primary problem. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 21 June 2024 Read More: Ukraine Can’t Win the War President Putin so far showed no intention to engage with the Ukrainian peace plan, signing a treaty on military aid with North Korea and touring Vietnam in a snub to U.S. criticism. —Aliaksandr Kudrytski / Bloomberg, TIME, 20 June 2024 Though criticism of a sitting pontiff is allowed, church codes require clerical fealty, and observers say that Viganò crossed a line by outright challenging the authority and legitimacy of the pope. —Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 20 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for criticism 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'criticism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1606, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of criticism was in 1606
Dictionary Entries Near criticism
Cite this Entry
“Criticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/criticism. Accessed 3 Jul. 2024.
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Last Updated: 25 Jun 2024 - Updated example sentences
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