acclaim

¹ac·claim

verb \ə-ˈklām\

Definition of ACCLAIM

transitive verb

1

: applaud, praise

2

: to declare by acclamation

intransitive verb

: to shout praise or applause

— ac·claim·er noun

Examples of ACCLAIM

1. The critics have acclaimed her performance.
2. <she has long been acclaimed by the critics for her realistic acting>

Origin of ACCLAIM

Latin acclamare, literally, to shout at, from ad- + clamare to shout — more at claim

First Known Use: 1606

Related to ACCLAIM

Synonyms

accredit, applaud, cheer, crack up, hail, laud, praise, salute, tout, doff one's hat to (or doff one's cap to)

Antonyms

knock, pan, slam

Related Words

bravo, clap, rise (to); ballyhoo; approve, commend, endorse (also indorse), favor, recommend, root (for), support; celebrate, emblazon, eulogize, extol (also extoll), glorify, magnify, sing; adulate, belaud, flatter, overpraise; deify, idolize

Near Antonyms

belittle, discommend, disparage, put down; blame, censure, reprehend, reprobate; admonish, chide, criticize, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reprove; castigate, excoriate, keelhaul, lambaste (or lambast), skewer, slag [chiefly British], vilify

²acclaim

noun

Definition of ACCLAIM

1

: the act of acclaiming

2

: praise, applause

Examples of ACCLAIM

1. Her performance in the ballet earned her critical acclaim.
2. She deserves acclaim for all her charitable works.

First Known Use of ACCLAIM

1667

Related to ACCLAIM

Synonyms

glory, accolade, applause, bay(s), credit, distinction, homage, honor, kudos, laud, laurels, props [slang], réclame, sun

Related Words

celebrity, fame, renown, repute; compliment, encomium, eulogy, panegyric, toast, tribute; acclamation, ovation, plaudit, praise, rave, rhapsody; citation, commendation, kudo, note, recommendation; elevation, enshrinement, enthronement, exaltation, glorification