You know how sometimes you want to talk about it when someone points out problems or gives feedback? Whether it's good or bad, there are many ways to say "criticise." Words like disapprove, condemn, or blame can fit different situations. Today, I'll share some easy and common words you can use instead of "criticise" to sound clearer and more interesting. It's like having a toolbox full of words for when you want to talk about feedback or judgment.
1. Disapprove
Disapprove means you don't agree with someone's action or idea. It shows that you think something is wrong or not right. ‘Her parents disapprove of her staying out late.’ When you disapprove, you express dislike but usually in a polite way. You might not say it loudly, but your actions or words show it. Disapproval can be about behavior, choices, or even opinions. It's a softer form of criticising, often used when people want to share their feelings without causing a fight. You can disapprove of many things, like movies, decisions, or manners.
2. Condemn
Condemn means to strongly say something is very wrong or bad. It's a much stronger word than just criticising. ‘The government condemned the violent protests.’ When you condemn, you show strong dislike and sometimes want punishment for what happened. It is often used in serious situations like crimes or bad actions. People or groups condemn actions that go against rules, laws, or morals. This word helps you talk about strong criticism that is loud and clear. Condemning usually means the person thinks something must be stopped or fixed quickly.
3. Censure
Censure means to officially express strong disapproval or criticism. It is often used in formal situations like meetings or courts. ‘The senator was censured for his behavior.’ Censure is like a public scolding by an important group. It is serious but not the same as punishment. People who are censured are told they did something wrong and should be careful next time. This word helps when you want to talk about formal criticism from groups, companies, or governments. It sounds official and serious, not just everyday talking.
4. Reproach
Reproach means to tell someone that you are unhappy or disappointed with them. ‘She reproached her friend for forgetting her birthday.’ It's a way to show that someone did something wrong. Reproach is more personal and emotional than just criticising. It's often used between friends, family, or close people when one expects better behavior. You can use it when someone gently or clearly points out a mistake or problem. Reproach helps to talk about feelings of sadness or frustration caused by another person's actions.
5. Blame
Blame means saying someone is responsible for a mistake or problem. ‘He blamed the rain for being late.’ It is often used when something goes wrong and people want to find out who caused it. Blame can be serious or casual, depending on the situation. Sometimes people blame others unfairly. Blame focuses on fault and responsibility. This word is easy to use when talking about accidents, failures, or bad results. It shows who people think caused the problem or made a mistake.
6. Rebuke
Rebuke means to speak sharply or angrily to someone because of their wrong behavior. ‘The teacher rebuked the student for cheating.’ It is stronger than just telling someone they are wrong. Rebuking is about showing strong disappointment or anger. People use it to correct someone and warn them not to do it again. It often happens in work, school, or family settings. Rebuke is a clear and direct way to say someone did something bad and must stop. It can sound strict and serious.
7. Reprimand
Reprimand means to officially tell someone they did something wrong. ‘The manager reprimanded the employee for being late.’ It is like a warning but more formal. People get reprimanded at work or school when rules are broken. This word means someone in authority is correcting behavior. A reprimand shows that the action is not accepted and may have consequences if it happens again. It is more serious than a casual complaint but less harsh than punishment. Reprimand helps to explain official or serious criticism.
8. Scold
Scold means to angrily tell someone that they did something wrong. ‘The mother scolded her child for making a mess.’ It is often used with children or when someone is responsible for others. Scolding is loud and serious but usually ends quickly. People scold to teach or correct behavior. It is a way to show disappointment and ask someone to be careful next time. Scolding can feel strict but is often done with love or care behind it. It's an easy word to describe when someone gets told off.
9. Chide
Chide means to gently or mildly scold someone for doing something wrong. ‘He chided his friend for being late.’ It is softer than scolding and shows mild disappointment. Chiding is like a small reminder not to repeat a mistake. It is often friendly or kind, not angry. You can chide someone for small faults or bad habits. This word is good for gentle criticism between friends or family. It helps show you care, but you want someone to improve their actions.
10. Fault
Fault means to find or point out mistakes or problems in someone or something. ‘Don't fault her for trying her best.’ It means saying that something is not perfect or has errors. Fault can be used when talking about people, ideas, or things. It doesn't always mean harsh criticism but can be helpful when trying to improve. When you fault someone, you say where they went wrong. It's a common word used to talk about errors in work, behavior, or plans.
11. Find fault with
To find fault with means to look for mistakes or problems in something or someone. ‘He always finds fault with my cooking.’ It often means being critical in a way that can feel annoying. People who find fault with others may seem negative or hard to please. This phrase is used when someone notices little errors or problems even if things are mostly okay. It can be helpful or hurtful, depending on how it is said. It's a longer way to say criticise but shows a focus on small mistakes.
12. Judge
Judge means to form an opinion about someone or something, often about right or wrong. ‘Don't judge people by their clothes.’ It can be positive or negative but often means criticising. Judging happens in courts, schools, and daily life. When you judge someone, you decide if their actions are good or bad. It can also mean deciding the quality of something, like judging a contest. This word is useful when you want to talk about deciding or forming opinions about others.
13. Denounce
Denounce means to publicly say that something or someone is very bad or wrong. ‘The group denounced the unfair law.’ It is a strong and open form of criticism. When you denounce, you want others to know your disapproval. It is often used in politics, protests, or serious issues. Denouncing is loud and clear and shows that something must stop. This word is good for serious and public criticism that asks for change or justice.
14. Castigate
Castigate means to severely criticise someone, often in public. ‘The coach castigated the players for their poor performance.’ It is a very strong word, meaning to punish or correct with harsh words. Castigating shows anger or disappointment. People use it when they want to correct big mistakes or bad behavior. It's more than just telling someone they are wrong—it's like a strict warning. This word fits formal or serious situations where strong criticism is needed to make a point clear.
15. Berate
Berate means to scold or criticise someone angrily for a long time. ‘She berated him for being careless.’ It is a harsh and loud way to show anger or frustration. Berating can feel overwhelming for the person being criticised. It is often used when someone repeats mistakes or does something very wrong. People berate others when they want to express strong disappointment. This word shows heavy criticism with strong emotions, not just calm feedback.
16. Upbraid
Upbraid means to blame or criticise someone strongly for a mistake or bad action. ‘The boss upbraided the employee for missing the deadline.’ It is a formal and serious word. Upbraiding means talking sharply to make someone aware of their fault. It is stronger than just telling someone they are wrong. People use upbraid in work or official situations when they want to correct behavior. This word helps explain strict criticism meant to fix serious problems quickly.
17. Slam
Slam means to criticise someone or something very strongly and loudly. ‘The critics slammed the new movie for its bad script.’ It is a casual word often used in reviews or opinions. When you slam something, you say it is very bad and unacceptable. It is a strong and quick way to show dislike. People slam things in newspapers, on TV, or social media when they want to be clear about their opinion. This word is great for bold and direct criticism.
18. Attack
Attack means to criticise someone or something in a very strong and angry way. ‘The article attacked the government's new policy.’ It feels like fighting with words. Attacking is not just sharing an opinion—it is showing strong dislike and trying to hurt or defeat the other side. People attack ideas, people, or actions when they want to show serious opposition. It is a forceful word that shows serious criticism. You can use it when words feel like a battle.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to say "criticise," from soft and gentle to strong and angry. Using the right word helps you explain how someone shows disapproval or finds mistakes. Whether you want to be kind or clear, these synonyms make your writing and speaking better. Try using these words to express different feelings about criticism and make your messages stronger and clearer.