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 School district anniversary Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein and other local political representatives on Feb. 1 helped celebrate the Sunnyvale School District’s 125th anniversary with a commendation, proclamation, citation and certificate. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2024 But Goetzman and the team have practically earned a military commendation for producing these stories at this point. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 18 Dec. 2023 And he’s earned a medal of commendation among other recognitions. Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 14 Feb. 2024 Suzanne Wolf retired last fall as director of community services for the city of Fremont but received a commendation at last Tuesday’s San Jose City Council meeting for her 35-year career in public service, revitalizing public spaces like parks, community centers and playgrounds. Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2024 News of the special commendation comes amid a groundswell of acclaim for the quartet. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 6 Feb. 2024 Other actors deserve commendation, including Sawyer Spielberg (Steven’s son) and Raff Law (Jude Law’s son) — both doing their relatives proud, in particular Spielberg who, as Lt. Roy Frank Claytor, handles one of the most difficult scenes in the final episode with the ideal touch. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2024 His accomplishments have garnered him numerous awards and commendations from organizations, and recognition from public servants on both sides of the aisle. Travis Andersen, BostonGlobe.com, 16 Feb. 2023 The Post has reported that Teixeira’s military record shows him as an Airman 1st Class with no commendations except for an Air Force Achievement Medal — a routine award given widely to airmen. Ben Brasch, Washington Post, 14 Apr. 2023

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near commendation

Cite this Entry

“Commendation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commendation. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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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