When we use the phrase "passes judgment," we are essentially referring to the act of forming an opinion about someone or something. However, there are other ways to express this idea. For example, one could say that they are "evaluating" or "assessing" a situation. Alternatively, one could "pronounce" or "declare" a verdict regarding an issue. "Criticize," "analyze," and "appraise" are also useful synonyms for "passes judgment." Ultimately, the words we choose to use can have an impact on how our opinions are perceived, so it's always worth considering different ways to express ourselves.