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 of commend

• hand
• leave
• give
• entrust
• recommend
• transfer
• delegate
• deliver

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

Supervisor Jim Desmond must be commended for making fire preparedness a top priority. —Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

Other media moguls also commended Turner for his lasting impact on the TV business. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 6 May 2026

Vogue's hosts asked her on the carpet, later commending her dedication to fashion, art and costume. —Dalila Muata, NBC news, 5 May 2026

In conversations among progressives, the word often functioned as a way to commend the work of Black women. —Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

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