praise
22 synonyms and 3 antonyms for praise, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Words expressing approval or admiration for someone or something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use praise
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French "preisier" ("to prize" or "to value"), from Latin "pretiare," from "pretium" ("price" or "value") — making "praise" a distant cousin of "price" and "prize."
Full origin of praise →Frequently asked questions
What does “praise” mean?
The word “praise” means words expressing approval or admiration for someone or something. In plain terms, saying good things about someone or something because they deserve it.
How do you pronounce “praise”?
“Praise” is pronounced prayz (/pɹeɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “praise” in a sentence?
Here is “praise” used in a sentence: “The chef received praise from every critic in the city.”
What is another word for “praise”?
Words with a similar meaning to “praise” include accolade, approbation, approval, attaboy, compliment and commend.
What is the opposite of “praise”?
The opposite of “praise” — its antonyms — are blame, condemnation and criticism.
What part of speech is “praise”?
Depending on how it is used, “praise” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “praise” come from?
The word “praise” comes from Latin. From Old French "preisier" ("to prize" or "to value"), from Latin "pretiare," from "pretium" ("price" or "value") — making "praise" a distant cousin of "price" and "prize.".
Is “praise” a common word?
“Praise” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'praise' and 'flattery'?
Praise is sincere approval or admiration for someone or something. Flattery is excessive or insincere praise, often given to please someone or gain an advantage rather than to express genuine feeling.
What is the difference between 'praise' and 'compliment'?
A compliment is usually a brief, specific expression of admiration made directly to someone, such as remarking on their work. Praise is broader approval that can be given publicly or about a third party, and often carries more weight or authority.
Do you say 'praise for' or 'praise of'?
You praise a person 'for' an action, as in 'she praised him for his honesty.' The phrase 'in praise of' introduces the thing being admired, as in 'a poem in praise of nature.'
Is 'praise' countable or uncountable as a noun?
'Praise' is uncountable, so it takes no plural and no 'a,' as in 'he received high praise.' Say 'a lot of praise' or 'words of praise' rather than 'a praise' or 'praises' in ordinary usage.