commendable
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of commendable
First recorded in 1350–1400; from Old French, from Latin commendābilis, equivalent to commendā(re) commend ( def. ) + -bilis -ble ( def. )
Explanation
If something's commendable it deserves whatever praise it receives. When you developed a car that could run on solar power, that was a commendable accomplishment. Now, it's time to move from Seattle. Coming from the verb "to commend," commendable can find its roots in the Latin commendāre, meaning "to praise." So, it only makes sense that someone who has done some commendable deed should get praise for it. American author James Branch Cabell once wrote: "While it is well enough to leave footprints on the sands of time, it is even more important to make sure they point in a commendable direction."
Vocabulary lists containing commendable
Thumbs Up: Synonyms for "Good"
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The Merchant of Venice
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The Phantom Tollbooth
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Commendable optimism, but reality dictates that Frank needs wins and needs them fast, with currently little enthusiasm for his methods among the Spurs fanbase, a disconnect that undermines any head coach.
From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026
Commendable as these efforts are, we think that they are fundamentally flawed because they overestimate the importance of the role of genetic variation in kidney cancer.
From Nature • Sep. 13, 2016
Commendable effort by London Big Issue seller to get on in life.
From The Guardian • Jul. 15, 2013
The Hall of Fame trainer has won the race four times, most recently with Commendable in 2000.
From Seattle Times • May 20, 2012
"Commendable," lyrion admitted, breaking a large brown egg that reminded him unduly of the Grand Maester's bald spotted head.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
