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Definitions

acclaim

[uh-kleym] / əˈkleɪm /
NOUN
expression of approval
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acclamation applause commendation kudos praise rave recognition
STRONG
PR acknowledgment approbation celebration cheering clapping eulogizing exaltation honor plaudits puff strokes stroking
WEAK
pat on the back pat on the head pumping up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
blame censure criticism disapproval
STRONG
condemnation debasement denunciation humiliation
WEAK
beratement jeering vituperation
VERB
give approval
Synonyms
STRONGEST
applaud extol hail laud
STRONG
approve boost celebrate cheer clap commend compliment eulogize exalt honor praise push rave recommend root salute stroke
WEAK
blow horn give a bouquet give a posy give kudos hand it to hear it for puff up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
blame criticize
STRONG
censure condemn denounce disapprove discourage dissuade refuse reproach
WEAK
berate damn dishonor vituperate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Hacks" hit HBO Max in May 2021 to widespread critical acclaim.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

It certainly also helps that chicken thighs, by wide acclaim, are more difficult to cluck up in the kitchen.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Ken Kwapis, a TV veteran and director of “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” making his first documentary, creates an insightful, empathetic portrait of their unlikely trajectory to cult acclaim.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

Surgical procedures and weight-loss drugs are growing in popularity, with some influencers detailing their own slimming journeys to both acclaim and criticism.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

Her success in Scandinavia was accompanied by acclaim throughout the rest of Europe.

From "The Voice That Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights" by Russell Freedman

Vocabulary lists containing acclaim

Essential English Vocabulary, List 1

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The Unteachables

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The Crossover

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