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Showing results for critical. Search instead for criticaln.
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.

Commander Reid Wiseman said the crew had a lot of scientific work to do and it was "probably the most critical lunar observations for our geology team".

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The hippocampus, a region critical for learning and memory, relies on the formation of new neurons.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026

Argentina is a major producer of lithium, which is critical to the global tech and green energy sectors.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

U.S. bases in Europe serve as a critical hub of global U.S. military operations, as well as provide an economic boon to the host country through investment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

She had watched the villagers make houses for years, but somehow, somewhere, she had missed a critical piece of information.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer