criticize crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your go-to source for solving even the trickiest crossword puzzles. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and detailed explanations for the clue "criticize crossword clue," helping you complete your puzzle with ease and expand your vocabulary.
Solutions for "criticize crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
PAN: To criticize severely, often with harsh judgment.
4 Letters
BASH: To attack or criticize forcefully and often verbally.
5 Letters
DECRY: To publicly denounce or condemn something as bad or worthless.
SCOLD: To rebuke or reprimand angrily.
BLAST: To criticize or reprimand severely.
6 Letters
REBUKE: To express sharp disapproval or criticism of someone because of their behavior or actions.
REVIEW: To critically evaluate something, often in a formal assessment.
ATTACK: To criticize or oppose someone or something forcefully.
7 Letters
CENSURE: To express severe disapproval of someone or something, especially in a formal statement.
8 Letters
LAMBASTE: To criticize someone or something harshly.
REPROACH: To express disapproval or disappointment to someone.
More About "criticize crossword clue"
The clue "criticize" is a common staple in crosswords, often appearing in various forms and requiring a nuanced understanding of its synonyms. From mild disapproval to outright condemnation, the range of possible answers is broad, making it a challenging yet rewarding clue to solve. Crossword setters frequently use synonyms that match specific letter counts, leading to answers like PAN, BASH, DECRY, or CENSURE.
When encountering "criticize," consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a general criticism, or does the clue imply a specific type, such as formal censure or a public denunciation? Paying attention to subtle qualifiers in the clue can often point you towards the exact word needed. For instance, 'publicly criticize' might suggest DECRY, while 'harshly criticize' could point to LAMBASTE.
Furthermore, 'criticize' can sometimes be clued through its antonyms or through a related action, requiring you to think laterally. Always cross-reference with intersecting words to confirm your choice, as many words can fit a general definition but only one will fit the grid precisely.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Word Length First: Always check the number of boxes available for the answer. This is the most crucial filter for 'criticize' clues, as it immediately narrows down options from a broad list of synonyms.
- Look for Intensity Clues: Some 'criticize' clues will hint at the severity. Words like 'mildly,' 'harshly,' 'publicly,' or 'formally' can guide you to a more precise answer, e.g., 'reprimand' vs. 'lambaste.'
- Check Surrounding Letters: Don't try to solve a 'criticize' clue in isolation. Use the letters from intersecting words to fill in blanks. Even one letter can often make the difference between several possible answers for 'criticize' synonyms.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword constructors love to use less common synonyms or words with multiple meanings. If the obvious 'criticize' answers aren't fitting, consider more obscure or context-specific terms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'criticize' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'criticize' include words like PAN, BASH, DECRY, CENSURE, REBUKE, SLAM, RIP, and REVIEW. The specific answer often depends on the number of letters required and the overall context of the puzzle.
How does word length help in solving 'criticize' clues?
Knowing the word length is crucial. For example, 'criticize' might be 'PAN' for three letters, 'BASH' for four, or 'LAMBASTE' for eight. Filtering by letter count significantly narrows down the possibilities and speeds up the solving process.
Are there different intensities of 'criticize' to consider?
Yes, 'criticize' can range from mild disapproval to harsh condemnation. Clues might hint at the intensity, e.g., 'Gently criticize' versus 'Lambaste'. Words like 'pan', 'slam', or 'decry' often imply stronger criticism, while 'reprove' or 'admonish' might suggest milder forms.