Words used to describe criticism
accusatory
adjective
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 rather cruel
acid
adjective
an acid remark or acid humour shows criticism in a way that is clever but cruel
acrid
adjective
an acrid remark expresses criticism in a rather cruel way
ad hominem
adjective
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
criticizing in a way that is cruel
negative
adjective
expressing disagreement or criticism
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
expressing criticism or blame
satirical
adjective
satirical writing or art uses humour 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
criticizing someone or something very severely
trenchant
adjective
trenchant comments or criticisms are expressed strongly and clearly
unfavourable
adjective
not positive, or not showing approval
vituperative
adjective
full of cruel angry criticisms and insults
on someone’s case
criticizing someone all the time
