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

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

But precise passes that squeeze the maximum gain out of plays will receive extra commendation. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 24 June 2026

And he was awarded multiple times for valor, including a bronze star and a Navy commendation medal. — ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026

There are other commendations that could be thrown on, like how this might be McCartney’s best album of the 21st century. — Chris Willman, Variety, 23 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