commend

verb

com·​mend kə-ˈmend How to pronounce commend (audio)
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 adjective
commendably adverb
commender noun

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 Many were quick to commend her for even bothering to rehang her ex's clothes. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 Despite confronting inflation and rising operational costs, restaurants have adopted innovative strategies for enhancing consumer satisfaction, a sentiment Riehle wholeheartedly commends. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Some commended Pietsch, who did not respond to The Post’s request for comment, for sharing her experience and shamed the company for its impersonal approach to layoffs. Taylor Telford, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2024 According to the Times-Herald, Coweta Fire Chief Robby Flanagan commended the deputies' quick-thinking in the stressful situation. Andrea Vacchiano, Fox News, 4 Feb. 2024 The police dog's efforts were commended by residents in the Facebook post's comment section. Andrea Vacchiano, Fox News, 19 Feb. 2024 Local leaders have often commended Mr. Biden on such occasions. Erica L. Green, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024 At an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco in November, Biden commended Newsom’s performance as governor and, perhaps inadvertently, stoked the speculation. Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2024 Eating 'a Bunch of Pizza and Ice Cream' for Role in May December Melton, 33, who went toe-to-toe with Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore in Todd Haynes’ May December, said Joaquin Phoenix commended his breakout performance. Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'commend.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near commend

Cite this Entry

“Commend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commend. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

commend

verb
com·​mend kə-ˈmend How to pronounce commend (audio)
1
: to give into another's care : entrust
2
: to speak of someone or something with approval : praise
commended her for her honesty
commendable adjective
commendably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on commend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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