5
troublesome(hard, tough, difficult, negative, disapproving)
5
ugly(adjective, mean, bad, nasty, cross)
5
uncompromising(adjective, severe)
5
underlying(adjective, original, essential, fundamental, key)
5
unfavourable
5
vituperative(scornful, contemptuous, abusive, excoriating)
4
noteworthy(adjective, important, lively, outstanding, exciting)
4
refined(adjective, sharp, exact, discerning, astute)
4
accurate(adjective, honest, true, precise, real)
4
awkward(difficult, delicate, tricky, complicated, thorny)
4
detailed
4
explanatory(adjective, logical, revealing, systematic, demonstrative)
4
fateful(adjective, important, lively, significant, key)
4
nagging(adjective, hard, tough, severe, difficult)
4
prudish(adjective, severe, fastidious)
4
required(adjective, important, essential, basic, fundamental)
4
requisite(adjective, important, essential, basic, fundamental)
4
acid(adjective, severe, sharp, bitter, unkind)
4
complex(delicate, awkward, complicated)
4
conclusive(adjective, important, determined, significant, definite)
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APASmart Define. (2016). critical thesaurus. Retrieved September 24, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/critical/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2016. "critical thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/critical/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 24, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2016, critical thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 24 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/critical/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "critical thesaurus" 16 February 2016. Web. 24 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/critical/thesaurus/synonyms>