acclaim

American  

[uh-kleym] / əˈkleɪm /

verb (used with object)

1. to welcome or salute with shouts or sounds of joy and approval; applaud.

   to acclaim the conquering heroes.

2. to announce or proclaim with enthusiastic approval.

   to acclaim the new king.

---

verb (used without object)

1. to make acclamation; applaud.

noun

1. acclamation.

acclaim British  

/ əˈkleɪm /

verb

1. (tr) to acknowledge publicly the excellence of (a person, act, etc)

2. to salute with cheering, clapping, etc; applaud

3. (tr) to acknowledge publicly that (a person) has (some position, quality, etc)

   they acclaimed him king

---

noun

1. an enthusiastic approval, expression of enthusiasm, etc

Other Word Forms

• acclaimer noun
• reacclaim verb (used with object)
• unacclaimed adjective

Etymology

Origin of acclaim

From the Latin word acclāmāre, dating back to 1630–40. See ac-, claim

Example Sentences

After starting her career in Canada's comedy scene, she turned out a series of unforgettable film performances netting her critical acclaim.

From BBC

But as the satirically pompous, high-strung Moira Rose, the uncomfortably broke former soap opera queen and matriarch of the hit Canadian sitcom “Schitt’s Creek,” O’Hara achieved universal acclaim and endless memeability.

From Salon

She studied drama at the Randall School in Hartford and then at New York’s acclaimed Neighborhood Playhouse, known for its scores of famous alumni.

From The Wall Street Journal

While both were critically acclaimed, she couldn’t get traction on the Billboard charts, and she parted ways with Dreamville in 2025.

From The Wall Street Journal

Blazy, 41, said he intended to "probe and explore the heart of Chanel" with his Haute Couture creations following his highly acclaimed first ready-to-wear women's collection in the same space in June.

From Barron's

Related Words

• acclamation
• applause
• commendation
• kudos
• praise
• rave
• recognition