1
a
: one who engages often professionally in the analysis, evaluation, or appreciation of works of art or artistic performances
a literary critic
a film critic
a theater critic
b
: one who expresses a reasoned opinion on any matter especially involving a judgment of its value, truth, righteousness, beauty, or technique
Critics of the new law say that it will not reduce crime.
2
: one given to harsh or captious judgment
a fierce critic of immigration policies
Synonyms
Examples of critic in a Sentence
Noun (1)
the president's hard-core critics are going to attack him no matter what he does
the restaurant critic said that the fries at that fast-food outlet were the worst she'd ever eaten
Recent Examples on the Web
Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025
But Target's decision struck some of its critics as a betrayal, saying the retailer's initiatives attracted a younger, more diverse consumer base.
—Arriana McLymore and Siddharth Cavale, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
Most folks are not future or current or former critics, who tend to get into the whys and what-elses of the movies.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025
Many of the same tech moguls crowding the rotunda, once vocal critics of Trump, are now keen to toe the MAGA line, hoping to shore up government contracts, benefit from a low-tax, low-regulation regime, and avoid being targeted by Trump for punishment.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for critic 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Email echoes controversial Elon Musk Twitter memo Some federal employees fear these buyouts—which critics point out seem influenced by Elon Musk's controversial worker buyouts during his Twitter takeover—may drive out top talent, spike costs, and potentially weaken government.
—Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025
But Target's decision struck some of its critics as a betrayal, saying the retailer's initiatives attracted a younger, more diverse consumer base.
—Arriana McLymore and Siddharth Cavale, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
Most folks are not future or current or former critics, who tend to get into the whys and what-elses of the movies.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025
Many of the same tech moguls crowding the rotunda, once vocal critics of Trump, are now keen to toe the MAGA line, hoping to shore up government contracts, benefit from a low-tax, low-regulation regime, and avoid being targeted by Trump for punishment.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for critic
Articles Related to critic
Dictionary Entries Near critic
Cite this Entry
“Critic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/critic. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share