commend

verb

com·​mend kə-ˈmend 

commended; commending; commends

transitive verb

1

: to entrust for care or preservation

"To Thee I do commend my watchful soul / Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes."

—William Shakespeare

2

: to recommend as worthy of confidence or notice

Your proposal has much to commend it.

3

: to mention with approbation : praise

We commend you for your continuing dedication to excellence.

commendable

kə-ˈmen-də-bəl 

adjective

commendably

kə-ˈmen-də-blē 

adverb

commender noun

Synonyms of commend

• hand
• leave
• give
• entrust
• recommend
• transfer
• delegate
• deliver

Examples of commend in a Sentence

His poetry is highly commended by other writers.

I commend this book to anyone interested in learning more about American history.

Recent Examples on the Web

The 28-year-old delivered a pair of stellar plays, both of which Macdonald commended him on. — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Following the post Lola's Facebook post are comments commending the restaurant for helping the workers and community. — Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026

But, in the idealistic Harry, Sybylla finally meets a man who can see an unconventional woman as a partner to commend and enjoy, rather than to tame or endure. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2026

Superintendent Alex Marrero commended board members for talking with each other Wednesday in an attempt to resolve their disagreements, while acknowledging the need for more conversation. — Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French comander, from Latin commendare, from com- + mandare to entrust — more at mandate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing commend

• commend itself to
• have much to commend it

Rhymes for commend

• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• befriend
• boyfriend
• compend
• contend
• defend
• depend
• descend

Kids Definition

commend

verb

com·​mend kə-ˈmend 

1

: to give into another's care : entrust

2

: to speak of someone or something with approval : praise

commended her for her honesty

commendable

-ˈmen-də-bəl 

adjective

commendably

-blē 

adverb