commendation

noun

com·​men·​da·​tion ˌkä-mən-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce commendation (audio)
-ˌmen-
1
a
: an act of commending
b
: something (such as a formal citation) that commends
2
archaic : compliment

Examples of commendation in a Sentence

Their hard work deserves commendation. The President issued a commendation praising the volunteers for their exceptional work during the relief effort.
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.
The Foundation of Laguna Woods Village received a commendation by the Laguna Woods City Council on May 28 in recognition of its award as the 72nd Assembly District nonprofit of the year. Anita Gosch, Oc Register, 15 June 2025 Highest commendations to those who made history voting for and passing it through both chambers of the legislature. Robert Turner, Baltimore Sun, 2 June 2025 His 35-year career has been recognized in more than 100 awards for meritorious and heroic service, including a presidential commendation for heroism by President Ronald Reagan and two Distinguished Service Awards from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025 In 2009, his son Jared posthumously received the highest commendation any American soldier can be awarded: the Congressional Medal of Honor. Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for commendation

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of commendation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commendation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commendation. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

commendation

noun
com·​men·​da·​tion ˌkäm-ən-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce commendation (audio)
-ˌen-
1
: an act of commending
2
: something that commends
was awarded a commendation for bravery
commendatory
kə-ˈmen-də-ˌtōr-ē
-ˌtȯr-
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on commendation

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