criticizes
Points out flaws
Criticizes means to point out faults or express disapproval: The report criticizes the government's handling of the crisis.
It can also mean to evaluate or analyze, especially in arts and literature: She criticizes films for a living.
The negative sense dominates casual use, while the evaluative sense appears more in professional contexts.
Rebuke harshly
- admonishReprove with counsel
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- chastiseReprimand severely for wrongdoing
- berateCriticize severely and lengthily
upbraid · castigate · lambaste · chide · lecture · tell off · dress down · take to task
Formal institutional disapproval
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- denouncePublicly declare wrongdoing
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- disparagementCriticism meant to diminish
faultfinding · disdain · contempt · derision · scorn · denunciation · objection · dissatisfaction
Critical written assessment
- appraisalEstimation of worth
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
- analysisMethodical study of parts
- examinationMethodical assessment or review
commentary · feedback · judgment · opinion · observation · interpretation · rating · grading
Looks at thoroughly
- analyzesExamines in detail
- inspectsReviews for quality
- investigatesLooks into thoroughly
- probesInvestigative examinations
audits · vets · monitors · questions · challenges · picks apart · nitpicks · second-guesses
scold
Rebuke harshly
- admonishReprove with counsel
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- chastiseReprimand severely for wrongdoing
berate · upbraid · castigate · lambaste · chide · lecture · tell off · dress down · take to task · bawl out
censure
Formal institutional disapproval
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- denouncePublicly declare wrongdoing
- reproachExpression of disappointment
disparagement · faultfinding · disdain · contempt · derision · scorn · denunciation · objection · dissatisfaction · displeasure
review
Critical written assessment
- appraisalEstimation of worth
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
- analysisMethodical study of parts
examination · commentary · feedback · judgment · opinion · observation · interpretation · rating · grading · dissection
examines
Looks at thoroughly
- analyzesExamines in detail
- inspectsReviews for quality
- investigatesLooks into thoroughly
probes · audits · vets · monitors · questions · challenges · picks apart · nitpicks · second-guesses · cross-examines
- criticismsdisparages, condemns, denounces, censures, denigrates
- disapprovaldisapproval, scowl, disapprove, disapproves, frown
criticizespraises
Verbally commends
commends · applauds · compliments · lauds · extols
criticizespraises
Verbally commends
congratulates · honors · recognizes · appreciates · validates
criticizesdefends
Acts to protect
supports · endorses · champions · stands up for · vouches for