captious
adjectiveDisposed to find petty faults or raise objections.
THE WORDCRAFT REFERENCE SHELF
Find the right alternative. Search original words, aliases, meanings, synonyms, and related expressions. Compare each choice in its intended sense. Related forms are grouped under a stronger headword.
STRONGER HEADWORDS. LESS REPETITION.
Closely related forms share one browse entry. Their individual meanings, examples and existing study links are still available. Search a related form to find its family.
15 entries matching "critical" / Showing 1-15
Clear all filtersDisposed to find petty faults or raise objections.
Sharply critical or sarcastic; literally, able to burn or corrode.
Biting in tone
Closest synonyms
More alternatives and senses in the full reference.
Having a rural style or character; sometimes used critically to mean unsophisticated.
Of decisive importance to a result or decision.
Decisively important
Closest synonyms
More alternatives in the full reference.
Not candid or sincere, especially while pretending to be straightforward.
A lengthy and forceful speech, often critical or scolding.
Acting contrary to professed beliefs while presenting oneself as principled.
One word family: also includes hypocrisy.
Contradicting professed principles
Closest synonyms
Done without careful selection or distinction.
A particular point in time, especially one requiring a decision.
An imitation that exaggerates distinctive features for comic or critical effect.
Crucially important to the development or outcome of something.
Crucially important
Closest synonyms
More alternatives in the full reference.
Making a self-righteous display of moral superiority.
Displaying moral superiority
Closest synonyms
Following another person's ideas uncritically.
Showing excessive obedience or imitation with little independence.
Excessively obedient
Closest synonyms
More alternatives and senses in the full reference.
A point or level at which something begins or changes; also the entrance to a place.
Point of beginning or change
Closest synonyms
More alternatives and senses in the full reference.
The headwords include the original WordCraft collection and the requested October additions. Related alternatives can include words outside that collection. Open a full reference to compare the sense and usage note.