Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

praiseworthy

American  
[preyz-wur-thee] / ˈpreɪzˌwɜr ði /

adjective

  1. deserving of praise; laudable.

    a praiseworthy motive.


praiseworthy British  
/ ˈpreɪzˌwɜːðɪ /

adjective

  1. deserving of praise; commendable

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of praiseworthy

First recorded in 1530–40; praise + -worthy

Explanation

When you do something praiseworthy, you should be congratulated and admired for doing it. Diving into the ocean to save a drowning child is praiseworthy. Use the adjective praiseworthy to describe an action that deserves acclaim or celebration. It's praiseworthy to treat everyone with kindness, and it's also praiseworthy to discover a cure for cancer or learn to speak ten languages. The fifteenth century word comes from a shortening of "worthy of praise," and it was originally hyphenated: praise-worthy. Praise has an Old French root, pretium, "to prize or to praise."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

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.

Praiseworthy design improvements like wrap-around grips also make the controller easier to hold, while adjustable-tension thumbsticks, the option to use shorter hair-trigger locks, and support for both USB-C and Bluetooth round out the controller’s hallmarks.

From The Verge • Sep. 3, 2021

Praiseworthy, too, is Meacham’s care in emphasizing the breadth of the leadership that stepped forward so splendidly to guide the Black freedom movement.

From Washington Post • Aug. 27, 2020

Praiseworthy performances are so abundant that it might be unfair to single out any one actor.

From Reuters • Mar. 2, 2010

Praiseworthy or not, they brought back the past on a collodion plate.

From Time Magazine Archive

By the clear green Lake of Nemi Is the best inn of the land; Praiseworthy macaroni, And wine of famous brand.

From The Trumpeter of Säkkingen A Song from the Upper Rhine. by Scheffel, Joseph Victor von

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "praiseworthy" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com