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

Photos released by state media showed Kim pinning commendation badges on soldiers’ uniforms as well as on photo frames of deceased soldiers hung on a wall. —Stella Kim, NBC news, 22 Aug. 2025

Participants who scored in the top fifteen per cent of all five tests got a Presidential commendation. —Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2025

For example, even though the American Cancer Society in 2018 suggested colon cancer screening begin at 45, screening rates didn’t markedly rise until the Preventive Services commendation in 2021. —Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2025

Gladys is an instant entry into the canon of contemporary horror iconography, and for that alone, the character is worthy of commendation. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 12 Aug. 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