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.
It is commendable that Kimmich and others want to take the blame for the early exit.
From BBC • Jun. 30, 2026
Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas so far looks to be doing a commendable job restoring stability and certainty.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026
It is definitely commendable that the Dodgers “museum” commemorates Glenn Burke and Billy Bean.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2026
For those who don’t necessarily care about Camus but seek an introductory look at how Existentialism came to be one of the 20th century’s trendiest outlooks, “The Stranger” is equally commendable.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
Evy thought that commendable but a little strange.
From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
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.
