Definitions

compliment

[kom-pluh-muhnt, kom-pluh-ment] / ˈkɒm plə mənt, ˈkɒm pləˌmɛnt /

NOUN

praise, flattery

Synonyms

STRONGEST

admiration adulation applause blessing commendation courtesy endorsement homage ovation tribute

STRONG

acclaim acclamation appreciation approval bouquet cajolery comp confirmation congratulations encomium eulogy favor felicitation honor laud laurels notice orchid panegyric posy regard respects sanction sentiment veneration

WEAK

buttering up good word kudo laudation pat on the back warm fuzzy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

blame censure criticism disapproval disregard silence

STRONG

condemnation disfavor dislike disrespect ignorance neglect opposition refusal veto

WEAK

complaint denunciation insult libel slander

VERB

praise, flatter

Synonyms

STRONGEST

applaud cajole commend congratulate endorse extol laud

STRONG

acclaim adulate celebrate charm cheer commemorate eulogize exalt felicitate glorify hail honor magnify please recommend salute sanction satisfy soothe toast worship

WEAK

butter up fawn upon give bouquet hand it to ingratiate oneself with kudize make much of panegyrize pat on the back pay respects pay tribute to puff up roose sing praises of speak highly of take off hat to trade last wish joy to

Antonyms

STRONGEST

blame censure criticize disapprove repel

STRONG

anger castigate condemn debase denounce depress discourage dishonor displease disrespect dissuade forget humiliate neglect refuse shame upset worry

WEAK

complain insult libel slander

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.

It’s the singer’s most sonically cohesive set, but this time that’s not necessarily a compliment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

White: Yeah, it’s a compliment, but it’s mean.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

Granit: I don't know if it's a compliment.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

Slot was full of praise for Robertson saying that "the way he speaks is a big compliment".

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

“I must compliment you, young man, on your grasp of the English language.”

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt