kudo

noun

ˈkü-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce kudo (audio)
Definition of kudonext
1
as in award
something given in recognition of achievement an honorary degree from her alma mater that is simply the latest kudo for an outstanding career in journalism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in compliment
an admiring personal remark a kudo is in order for the way the young people acquitted themselves at their first formal dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of kudo Her performance has been garnering critical raves and the kudos are well-deserved. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 June 2026 Sacramento State’s annual Rising Stars was a two-day whirlwind marathon of drills and activity that played out on several grass fields near Hornet Stadium, and it was deemed a rousing success, from the weather to the effort to the kudos. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026 Promotions, kudos and awards will put you in the spotlight. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 June 2026 Also deserving of kudos are the memorable characterizations of Sally Wingert and Em Adam Rosenberg, the simple yet imaginatively employed set of Benjamin Olsen, Sarah Bahr’s costumes and the high-energy choreography of Joey Miller. — Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for kudo
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kudo
  1. award
  2. compliment
  3. prize
  4. tribute
  5. accolade
  6. commendation
Noun
  • Both Collins and Dawsey received individual awards for their work as White House correspondents at this year’s ceremony.
    — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026
  • Raymond was a legitimate valedictory award for a show that had already won the Comedy Series Emmy once before in 2003.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 July 2026
Definition of award
Noun
  • Darnell Washington is like a tackle playing tight end (which is a compliment) and rookie Riley Nowakowski is more of a hybrid H-back/fullback/tight end.
    — Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Bring fun back to golf with conversation-starting, compliment-catching prints and a high-energy Southern California vibe.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
Definition of compliment
Noun
  • According to one of the people briefed on the meeting, Roland Garros delivered a concrete proposal on all three points, including a prize-money formula that links player compensation to the tournament’s financial success.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Participants earn passport stamps for every $10 purchase, unlocking prizes and a shot at a $325 gift card.
    — Julius Miller, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of prize
Noun
  • The company served as the title sponsor of All-Star Village from July 11–14 in Philadelphia, filling roughly 500,000 square feet with interactive exhibits, youth baseball activities, player tributes, food vendors, and a family party-like atmosphere.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 25 July 2026
  • Jim Carrey has paid tribute to his The Mask director Chuck Russell, who died Wednesday at the age of 74.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 25 July 2026
Definition of tribute
Noun
  • Other accolades include the Joseph Plateau Honorary Award at Gent Film Festival, the Lifetime Achievement Award at the San Sebastian International Film Festival and Best Actress BAFTA award for her role in Appropriate Adult.
    — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 22 July 2026
  • For me, that’s kind of like a small accolade that most people don’t know about.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of accolade
Noun
  • The novel earned commendations from authors such as Salman Rushdie and Amitav Ghosh.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
  • His contributions to Japanese cinema earned him the 2004 Kawakita Prize and a commendation from Japan’s Foreign Ministry in 2008.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 July 2026
Definition of commendation

Browse Nearby Words

kraits
kudo
kudos
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Cite this Entry

“Kudo.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kudo. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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