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

• award
• medal
• acknowledgement
• 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

Chris Copan was presented with a letter of commendation at the town’s annual Town Meeting for his actions at Woburn District Court on April 14. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 7 May 2025

In keeping with tradition, the Mass will include a homily and communion and end with a final commendation and farewell. —Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the funeral liturgy and delivered the final commendation and valediction. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 26 Apr. 2025

At the 2025 Oscars, several Los Angeles firefighters took the stage to receive a commendation and a standing ovation from the audience. —Michael Nied, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025

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