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

But amid the praise, Clark made sure to commend her teammates, too. — James Boyd, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Clients as well as opposing counsel routinely commend her ability to quickly identify risk, to build strategies that align with client goals and objectives, and to efficiently seek resolution or streamline to trial, as needed. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Leeper says the authors should be commended for those precautions, but the possibility of contamination can’t be ruled out completely. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 15 July 2026

The article commends their networking efforts but offers three strategies for better success. — Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 11 July 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