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Definitions

critical

[krit-i-kuhl] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl /
ADJECTIVE
fault-finding, detracting
Synonyms
STRONGEST
demanding
WEAK
analytical belittling biting calumniatory captious carping caviling cavillous censorious censuring choleric condemning critic cutting cynical demeaning derogatory diagnostic disapproving discerning discriminating disparaging exacting exceptive finicky fussy hairsplitting humbling hypercritical lowering nagging niggling nit-picking overcritical particular penetrating reproachful sarcastic satirical scolding severe sharp trenchant withering
Antonyms
WEAK
complimentary laudatory praising trivial uncritical unimportant
ADJECTIVE
urgently important
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crucial dangerous decisive dire integral perilous pivotal precarious risky serious significant strategic urgent vital
WEAK
acute all-important bottom-line climacteric conclusive consequential deciding desperate determinative exceptive grave hairy hazardous high-priority momentous pressing weighty
Antonyms
STRONGEST
certain inessential minor safe secure sure trivial unimportant unnecessary
WEAK
complimentary laudatory praising uncritical

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The initial shock of higher oil prices has begun moving into a more critical phase of shortages in various parts of the world.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

But just like the idealistic notion of “nonprofit” AI companies, being open source is unrealistic for critical systems.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

They also play a critical role in real-world situations such as search and rescue efforts and tracking oil spills.

From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2026

Nor is it so odd, he argued, that Hilton now views California with a more critical eye.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

He was scathingly critical of the small hole that had been gouged into the side of the ditch, roundly cursing any creature who dared to complain of difficult obstacles.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Vocabulary lists containing critical

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

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The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 2

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!