praise

1 of 3

verb

praised; praising
Synonyms of praise

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
2
a
b
archaic : one that is praised

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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Opponents of the death penalty and critics of the controversial execution method praised Marks' ruling on Tuesday. Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026 Proctors used several other racial slurs and crude language for women, and at one point praising the work of Hitler, according to the suit filed in Bristol County Superior Court. Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
Noun
On the contrary, both producers and consumers have long sung its praises, leaving behind a wealth of sources. Literary Hub, 11 June 2026 In its equilibrium, a good tomato sandwich is juicy and unctuous and appropriately messy, which is praise all too often reserved for hot sandwiches like cheesesteaks or patty melts. Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for praise

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of praise was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Praise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/praise. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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

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