Synonyms and antonyms of Words used to describe criticism in American Thesaurus

accusatory (adjective)

formal intended to show someone that you think they have done something wrong

accusing (adjective)

intended to show someone that you think they have done something wrong

acerbic (adjective)

showing criticism in a way that is clever and funny, but also cruel

acid (adjective)

an acid remark or acid humor shows criticism in a way that is clever but cruel

acrid (adjective)

an acrid remark expresses criticism in a cruel way

ad hominem (adjective)

formal criticizing a person’s character instead of what they are saying

astringent (adjective)

an astringent remark is one that criticizes someone severely

barbed (adjective)

barbed comments contain criticisms or insults

biting (adjective)

a biting remark, criticism, etc. is cruel and unkind

blistering (adjective)

blistering criticism is very severe

caustic (adjective)

expressing severe criticism of someone, often in a funny or clever way

condemnatory (adjective)

expressing severe criticism

critical (adjective)

expressing an opinion when you think something is wrong or bad

critically (adverb)

in a way that shows you do not like or approve of something

crushing (adjective)

criticizing someone or something very severely

deprecating (adjective)

showing that you do not approve of something or someone

disapproving (adjective)

a disapproving expression or reaction shows that someone does not approve of something

disparaging (adjective)

showing that you have no respect for someone or something

hard-hitting (adjective)

making criticisms in a very strong, honest, and direct way. This word usually shows that you approve of this type of criticism.

mild (adjective)

a mild punishment or criticism is not very severe

mordant (adjective)

formal criticizing in a way that is cruel

negative (adjective)

expressing disagreement or criticism

on someone’s case ()

criticizing someone all the time

pungent (adjective)

pungent comments or remarks criticize something in a direct and effective way

reproachful (adjective)

expressing criticism or disappointment in a way that is intended to make someone feel ashamed

reproving (adjective)

formal expressing criticism or blame

satirical (adjective)

satirical writing or art uses humor to criticize people or things and make them seem silly

savage (adjective)

criticizing someone or something very much

scathing (adjective)

criticizing someone or something in a very strong way

searing (adjective)

severe in your judgment of someone or something

swingeing (adjective)

British criticizing someone or something very severely

trenchant (adjective)

trenchant comments or criticisms are expressed strongly and clearly

unfavorable (adjective)

not positive or not showing approval

unfavourable ()

the British spelling of unfavorable

vituperative (adjective)

very formal full of cruel angry criticisms and insults