praise

1 of 2

verb

ˈprāz How to pronounce praise (audio)
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 2

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

Synonyms of praise

Relevance

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
One shopper praised its all-day comfort and support, noting that the band didn’t ride up or feel too tight. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026 Defense attorney Kevin Reddington praised the jurors outside court Wednesday evening for their hard work. — Blayne Alexander, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
Everyone from Olivia Rodrigo to SZA, Haim and Halsey have sung flowerovlove’s praises. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026 Clinton was one of many women in national politics sharing their praise and gratitude for Steinem. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 3 Sep. 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

Phrases Containing praise

Rhymes for praise

See All Rhymes for praise

Browse Nearby Words

praisable
praise
praise be
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Praise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/praise. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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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