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

• commit
• confide
• consign
• delegate
• deliver
• entrust
• intrust
• give
• give over
• hand
• hand over
• leave
• pass
• recommend
• repose
• transfer
• transmit
• trust
• turn over
• vest

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

Pascal commended Kaitlyn Dever, who joined Season 2 as the character Abby. —Abigail Lee, Variety, 25 Mar. 2025

A number of fans and celebrity supporters commended her for speaking out about her faith and promoting prayer. —Ashley Hume, Fox News, 24 Mar. 2025

Pointedly ask for their feedback and opinion, commend their work, and make sure that those who may struggle to be heard are! 4. —Jennifer Palmer, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

Supporters commended the 46-year-old for his approach to child-raising and advocated for more fathers to follow suit while also agreeing with the actor that there was a war against masculinity. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 18 Mar. 2025

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