praise

/preɪz/

/preɪz/

Other forms: praised; praises; praising

Praise means "admiration or approval," and when you're on the receiving end of it, you feel great.

Whether it's used as a verb or a noun, praise means "approval." If you enthusiastically praise your dog, he's likely to wag his tail and expect a treat. What you've given him (in addition to the treat) is praise, the noun. In a religious context, the verb praise is interchangeable with worship, as when a minister says, "Praise God."

Definitions of praise

1. noun

   an expression of approval and commendation
   “he always appreciated praise for his work”

   synonyms: congratulations, extolment, kudos

   types:

   superlative

   an exaggerated expression (usually of praise)

   encomium, eulogy, paean, panegyric, pean

   a formal expression of praise

   eulogium, eulogy

   a formal expression of praise for someone who has died recently

   good word, recommendation, testimonial

   something that recommends (or expresses commendation of) a person or thing as worthy or desirable

   accolade, compliment

   a remark (or act) expressing praise and admiration

   character, character reference, reference

   a formal recommendation by a former employer to a potential future employer describing the person's qualifications and dependability

   puff

   exaggerated praise (as for promotional purposes)

   trade-last

   a compliment that I heard about you that I offer to trade for a compliment you have heard about me

   flattery

   excessive or insincere praise

   fulsomeness, smarm, unction

   excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm

   type of:

   approval, commendation

   a message expressing a favorable opinion
2. noun

   offering words of homage as an act of worship
   “they sang a hymn of praise to God”

   types:

   alleluia, hallelujah

   a shout or song of praise to God

   type of:

   worship

   the activity of worshipping
3. verb

   express approval of
   “The parents praised their children for their academic performance”

   antonyms:

   criticize

   find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws

   types:

   troll

   praise or celebrate in song

   salute

   express commendation of

   applaud

   express approval of

   exalt, extol, glorify, laud, proclaim

   praise, glorify, or honor

   blandish, flatter

   praise somewhat dishonestly

   eulogise, eulogize

   praise formally and eloquently

   compliment, congratulate

   say something to someone that expresses praise

   gush, rave

   praise enthusiastically

   commend

   express approval of

   commend, recommend

   express a good opinion of

   advertise, advertize, promote, push

   make publicity for; try to sell (a product)

   puff, puff up

   praise extravagantly

   sonnet

   praise in a sonnet

   soft-soap

   use flattering talk on somebody

   cheer

   show approval or good wishes by shouting

   canonise, canonize

   treat as a sacred person

   ensky

   exalt to the skies; lift to the skies or to heaven with praise

   crack up

   rhapsodize about

   hymn

   praise by singing a hymn

   acclaim, hail, herald

   praise vociferously

   adulate

   flatter in an obsequious manner

   stroke

   treat gingerly or carefully

   bootlick, fawn, kotow, kowtow, suck up, toady, truckle

   try to gain favor by cringing or flattering

   brown-nose, butter up

   flatter with the intention of getting something

   propagandise, propagandize

   spread by propaganda

   plug

   make a plug for; praise the qualities or in order to sell or promote

   bill

   advertise especially by posters or placards

   agitate, campaign, crusade, fight, press, push

   exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for

   type of:

   appraise, assess, evaluate, measure, valuate, value

   evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, ability, extent, or significance of