praise

1 of 2

verb

ˈprāz 

praised; praising

transitive verb

1

: to express a favorable judgment of : commend

2

: to glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfections

intransitive verb

: to express praise

praiser noun

praise

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: an expression of approval : commendation

b

: worship

2

a

: value, merit

b

archaic : one that is praised

Synonyms

Verb

• bless
• carol
• celebrate
• emblazon
• exalt
• extol
• extoll
• glorify
• hymn
• laud
• magnify
• resound

Examples of praise in a Sentence

Verb

Critics praised her as both an actor and director.

A good teacher praises students when they do well.

We praise God for your safe arrival.

People gather in churches to praise the Lord.

Noun

He deserves praise for the way he's handled this crisis.

“Good job” is high praise coming from her. She rarely compliments anyone's work.

I have nothing but praise for the hospital staff.

People gathered in the church to sing praises to the Lord.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Like several Republicans, Rep. Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee praised Kennedy for his work promoting healthy foods. —Amanda Seitz, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025

Meanwhile over at Rolling Stone, David Fear praises the film for staying true to the series’ gentle, eccentric tone that never fails to be filled with empathy. —Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

Noun

Cosby is a gifted novelist whose passionate writing about the modern South has garnered him much critical praise and the admiration of President Obama. —Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025

The Pulitzer Prize winner responded with enthusiasm and praise. —Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 13 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English preisen, from Anglo-French preiser, priser to appraise, esteem — more at prize

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing praise

• damn with faint praise
• in praise of
• praise be
• praise be to God
• praise (someone or something) to the skies
• self-praise

Rhymes for praise

• baize
• bays
• blase
• blaze
• braes
• braze
• chaise
• claes
• clays
• craze
• dais
• days

Kids Definition

praise

verb

ˈprāz

praised; praising

1

: to express approval of : commend

2

: to glorify (a god or a saint) especially in song

praise noun

Etymology

Verb

Middle English preisen "to praise," from early French preisier, priser "to praise, prize," from Latin pretiare "to prize," from earlier pretium (noun) "price, money" — related to price