praise

1 of 3

verb

ˈprāz 

praised; praising

transitive verb

1

: to express a favorable judgment of : commend

Critics praised the film as a triumph.

2

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

intransitive verb

: to express praise

praiser noun

praise

2 of 3

noun

1

a

: an expression of approval : commendation

deserves praise for the work

I have nothing but praise for the hospital staff.

The critics sang her praises for the performance.

b

: worship

2

a

: value, merit

b

archaic : one that is praised

see also:

damn with faint praise

sing someone's/something's praises

3 of 3

phrase

: to say good things about someone or something often in a very enthusiastic way

The doctor has a wonderful bedside manner and patients sing her praises.

It seems like everyone is singing the new restaurant's praises, but I was unimpressed.

Synonyms of praise

Verb

• celebrate
• bless

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

Last week, Lucas praised the team for offering to cover the debt costs, reducing the risk to the city budget. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026

In its reporting, Southern Living magazine praised the fan-favorite destination for its charming downtown and proximity to scenic views. — Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2026

Noun

John Leguizamo, who earned praise for his performance in Universal’s summer blockbuster The Odyssey, is returning to the studio for its big-screen take on Miami Vice. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026

Both thanked the filmmakers, and let Chad Smith, also present, say a few words of praise. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026

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
• nothing but praise
• 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