What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quibble
Example
He always finds something to quibble about, no matter how small. [quibble: verb]
Example
Her quibbles about the presentation were minor and didn't affect the overall message. [quibbles: noun]
criticism
Example
The book received harsh criticism for its lack of originality. [criticism: noun]
Example
She criticized his work for being sloppy and unprofessional. [criticized: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Criticism is more commonly used than quibble in everyday language. Criticism is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while quibble is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quibble and criticism?
Both quibble and criticism can be used in formal and informal contexts, but criticism is generally considered more formal and professional than quibble, which can have a more casual or colloquial tone.