commend

verb

com·​mend kə-ˈmend 

commended; commending; commends

transitive verb

1

: to entrust for care or preservation

"To Thee I do commend my watchful soul / Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes."

—William Shakespeare

2

: to recommend as worthy of confidence or notice

Your proposal has much to commend it.

3

: to mention with approbation : praise

We commend you for your continuing dedication to excellence.

commendable

kə-ˈmen-də-bəl 

adjective

commendably

kə-ˈmen-də-blē 

adverb

commender noun

Synonyms of commend

• hand
• leave
• give
• entrust
• recommend
• transfer
• delegate
• deliver

Examples of commend in a Sentence

His poetry is highly commended by other writers.

I commend this book to anyone interested in learning more about American history.

Recent Examples on the Web

Chicago 7th Ward Alderman Greg Mitchell, the main speaker at the unveiling, commended West’s cultural contributions and her legacy as an educator during her tenure at Chicago State University. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Bragg, whose office had sought a 20-year prison term, commended Haley and all of the women who came forward against Weinstein, several of whom attended the hearing. — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 23 Sep. 2026

Carrie Ann Inaba exclaimed, commending his groove and rhythm. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

But several people who spoke during the board meeting commended students who took part in the walkout and asked they not be punished for their advocacy. — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French comander, from Latin commendare, from com- + mandare to entrust — more at mandate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing commend

• commend itself to
• have much to commend it

Rhymes for commend

• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• befriend
• boyfriend
• compend
• contend
• defend
• depend
• descend

Kids Definition

commend

verb

com·​mend kə-ˈmend 

1

: to give into another's care : entrust

2

: to speak of someone or something with approval : praise

commended her for her honesty

commendable

-ˈmen-də-bəl 

adjective

commendably

-blē 

adverb