commendation

noun

com·​men·​da·​tion ˌkä-mən-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce commendation (audio)
-ˌmen-
1
a
: an act of commending
b
: something (such as a formal citation) that commends
2
archaic : compliment

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
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.
Those issued commendations and special recognition from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department include patrol officers Matt Anderson, John Garreffa and Morgan Kral. Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025 Throughout her career, Jun has garnered several accolades, including best actress gongs for her TV and cinema roles as well as a commendation for her cultural contribution from South Korea’s prime minister in 2015. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2025 Fourteen years after beginning to adapt the story of Project Alice, Milla Jovovich finally saw her epic franchise through to the end, and that deserves a special commendation after six chapters and more than a billion dollars in global box office — on a cumulative budget of under $300 million! Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025 Prizes and commendations were handed out in categories including Wide Angle, Macro, Wrecks, Behavior, Portrait, Black & White, Compact, Up & Coming, and more. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for commendation

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of commendation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commendation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commendation. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

commendation

noun
com·​men·​da·​tion ˌkäm-ən-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce commendation (audio)
-ˌen-
1
: an act of commending
2
: something that commends
was awarded a commendation for bravery
commendatory
kə-ˈmen-də-ˌtōr-ē
-ˌtȯr-
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on commendation

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