commend

verb

com·​mend kə-ˈmend How to pronounce commend (audio)
commended; commending; commends
Synonyms of commend

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 How to pronounce commend (audio)
adjective
commendably
kə-ˈmen-də-blē How to pronounce commend (audio)
adverb
commender noun

Synonyms of commend

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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
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.
Fine art’s real estate crisis and its wholesale entrenchment in money laundering perhaps commend the political possibilities of unfine modes? — Anna Kornbluh, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026 With very few exceptions, roses were offered to commend male medieval rulers, often ones who had militarily defended Catholicism. — Joëlle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026 Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) chimed in on the conversation, commending Doe for coming forward. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026 Several Israeli officials commended the bravery of those on board the plane. — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for commend

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

Phrases Containing commend

Rhymes for commend

See All Rhymes for commend

Browse Nearby Words

commencement
commend
commenda
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Commend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commend. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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
-ˈmen-də-bəl How to pronounce commend (audio)
adjective
commendably
-blē How to pronounce commend (audio)
adverb
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