commendation

noun

com·​men·​da·​tion ˌkä-mən-ˈdā-shən 

-ˌmen-

1

a

: an act of commending

b

: something (such as a formal citation) that commends

2

archaic : compliment

Synonyms of commendation

• award
• medal
• acknowledgment
• mention
• citation

Examples of commendation in a Sentence

Their hard work deserves commendation.

The President issued a commendation praising the volunteers for their exceptional work during the relief effort.

Recent Examples on the Web

His actions came to light when a letter of commendation was sent to the state by Pamlico County Emergency Services. —Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 June 2026

Gold, silver and bronze and honorary commendations will be awarded. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026

With close to a 20-to-1 teacher-to-student ratio, the meeting began with commendations about Ruiz’s defensive strides and devoted work ethic. —Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 28 May 2026

The city of San Jose and Santa Clara County presented commendations honoring the restaurant’s longevity, and singer Jerry Sauceda serenaded the crowd for hours. —Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for commendation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

commendation

noun

com·​men·​da·​tion ˌkäm-ən-ˈdā-shən 

-ˌen-

1

: an act of commending

2

: something that commends

was awarded a commendation for bravery

commendatory

kə-ˈmen-də-ˌtōr-ē, 

-ˌtȯr-

adjective