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

Pawsitive Tails Dog Rescue posted on Facebook commending the work of volunteers who banded together to care for the dogs. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026

The music department, as well as Courcol’s lively directing and writing, must be commended for scenes of the brass ensemble playing and rehearsing, in a constantly dynamic interaction with dialogue. — Caspar Salmon, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

The report commends changes including protecting wetlands, improving stormwater and wastewater infrastructure, and expanding water quality monitoring, including notification programs that warn people about unsafe conditions in rivers and streams. — Joe Brandt, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Lyne commended the Chicago actor specifically for a scene partway into the movie, when Lane’s Connie is deep into her affair but Gere’s Edward only has vague suspicions. — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Aug. 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