commendations
Official words of praise
Commendations are formal expressions of praise or approval.
The word typically appears in official contexts—military commendations recognize service, workplace commendations acknowledge performance.
A letter of commendation documents such recognition: She received several commendations for her work on the project.
The singular commendation works the same way but appears less frequently.
Enthusiastic public approval
- applauseCollective hand-clapping approval
- kudosPraise and honor
- plauditsEnthusiastic public approval
- accoladesFormal expressions of praise
compliments · congratulations · ovation · approval · endorsement · laudation · appreciation · admiration
Awards for achievement
- certificatesOfficial proof documents
- citationsAcknowledged source mentions
- decorationsObjects adding visual appeal
- honorsRecognition for achievement
trophies · ribbons · distinctions · laurels · badges · plaques · stars · pins
Acknowledged source mentions
- medalsAwards for achievement
- valorCourage in danger
- gallantryCourage, especially in combat
- heroismExceptional courage under duress
decorations · ribbons · service · bravery · meritorious · conduct · duty · honor
Offering of respect
- eulogyTribute for the dead
- testimonialStatement praising someone's qualities
- homageExpression of deep respect
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
posthumous · honor · remembrance · commemoration · memorial · recognition · legacy · festschrift
acclaim
Enthusiastic public approval
accolades · compliments · congratulations · ovation · approval · endorsement · laudation · appreciation · admiration · cheers
medals
Awards for achievement
- certificatesOfficial proof documents
- citationsAcknowledged source mentions
- decorationsObjects adding visual appeal
honors · trophies · ribbons · distinctions · laurels · badges · plaques · stars · pins · diplomas
citations
Acknowledged source mentions
heroism · decorations · ribbons · service · bravery · meritorious · conduct · duty · honor
tribute
Offering of respect
- eulogyTribute for the dead
- testimonialStatement praising someone's qualities
- homageExpression of deep respect
dedication · posthumous · honor · remembrance · commemoration · memorial · recognition · legacy · festschrift · honorary
- honorsmedal, award, trophy, certificate, prize
- praiselauding, compliments, laudation, accolades, great job
- recognitionawards, award, honors, trophy, accolades
- military medalsPurple Heart, Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Iron Cross
- military traditionssalute, 21-gun salute, saluting, salutes, honor guard
- military valorbravery, gallantry, heroism, valor, courage
commendationsreprimands
Formal expressions of disapproval
censures · condemnations · disciplinary actions · demerits · rebukes
commendationscriticisms
Negative evaluations of work
denunciations · condemnations · reproaches · blame · disapproval