praise

1 of 3

verb

ˈprāz 

praised; praising

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 3

noun (1)

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

praiser

3 of 3

noun (2)

prais·​er

-zə(r)

plural -s

: one that praises: such as

a

obsolete : appraiser

b

: lauder , eulogist

c

: worshiper

Synonyms of praise

Verb

• celebrate
• bless

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 (1)

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

Verb

The one-minute television spot includes Poindexter’s daughters praising their father for his work ethic and dedication to their family. — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2026

Smoke’N Ash is also praised for Patrick Hicks’ brisket, pork ribs and rib tips, along with an extensive menu of desserts. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026

Noun

Moore has publicly endorsed the use of smelling salts by football players, singing their praises in a 2024 Wall Street Journal article about their popularity among UM players during the Jim Harbaugh era. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Sony revived Resident Evil last month and HBO drew big viewership and critical praise with The Last of Us, just to name a couple of recent success stories. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English preisen, from Anglo-French preiser, priser to appraise, esteem — more at prize

Noun (2)

Middle English preiser, praiser, from preisen, praisen to praise + -er

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing praise

• damn with faint praise
• in praise of
• nothing but praise
• praise be
• praise be to God
• praise (someone or something) to the skies
• self-praise

Rhymes for praise

• baize
• bays
• blase
• blaze
• braes
• braze
• chaise
• claes
• clays
• craze
• dais
• days

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