Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for critical. Search instead for kritikusan.
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 study highlights the importance of yeast as a model organism and points to RNP condensates as a critical survival mechanism.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

"I see a critical disconnect between the day-to-day lives of people" and federal policy, she said.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

She has, at times, been critical of the administration’s handling of the files.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Indian rescue teams set up field hospitals, helped to restore essential infrastructure, and delivered more than 1,000 tonnes of critical supplies.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

The glacier that hung from the cliffs at their backs was their reservoir of water: chipping ice and bringing it inside to melt on the stove was a critical job.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong

Vocabulary lists containing critical

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!