Meaning & use
criticism
The expression of disapproval based on perceived faults or mistakes.
See it in a sentence
The new policy faced heavy criticism from local business owners.
She took the criticism well and revised her essay accordingly.
A note on using this word
Criticism can also mean the careful analysis and judgment of art or literature, which is more neutral than the everyday sense of complaint.
Words with a similar meaning
disapprovalcensure
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. noun
The scholarly analysis and evaluation of works of literature, art, or music.
Her book on film criticism examines how directors use lighting to build mood.
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