commendation
Americannoun
-
the act of commending; recommendation; praise.
commendation for a job well done.
- Synonyms:
- applause, approbation, approval
- Antonyms:
- condemnation
-
something that commends, as a formal recommendation or an official citation or award.
a commendation for bravery.
- Antonyms:
- condemnation
-
Feudal Law. the placing of oneself or one's land under the protection of a lord so as to become his vassal.
-
Archaic. commendations, a complimentary greeting or message.
noun
-
the act or an instance of commending; praise
-
an award
Other Word Forms
- self-commendation noun
- subcommendation noun
- supercommendation noun
Etymology
Origin of commendation
1175–1225; Middle English commendacioun (< Anglo-French ) < Latin commendātiōn- (stem of commendātiō ) a commending to God. See commend, -ation
Explanation
If you got a commendation for your brave deeds during the earthquake, then congratulations! A commendation is an award praising someone’s actions. A commendation can be an official award for notable action, often given out by a government or other group. A police officer might receive a special commendation for being particularly brave. This kind of commendation is often awarded at a public ceremony. You can also use commendation more broadly to mean "praise," even if it's not official. It'd be nice to tell your teacher she deserves commendation for the good-natured way she has handled your rowdy class all year.
Vocabulary lists containing commendation
Richard Nixon's "Checkers" Speech (1952)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
50 Words from Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Twelfth Night
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The Visalia Unified School District’s public board meeting in March was a festive and upbeat affair with a performance by a student chamber music group and a commendation for a high school cheer squad.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2025
The jurists are hardly due a commendation, since their previous ruling on the question was reversed 9-0 by the Supreme Court this summer.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025
It will end with a final commendation - a concluding prayer where the pontiff will be formally entrusted to God.
From BBC • Apr. 25, 2025
There was one nice moment when Guardiola showed a delicate touch to control a ball out of play, and Amorim touched his hand as a sign of commendation.
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2025
“I am not a fool,” I said, speaking in a low voice, pleased by the commendation in his eyes, a little hurt by it as well.
From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya
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.
