complimenting

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.

He often appeared relaxed during the gubernatorial debates, at points even complimenting or joking with his rivals as they parried on stage.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Students who saw our campaign were more willing to take social risks, such as complimenting peers, expressing gratitude and asking for help when they needed it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

“You have to really have good stuff to be able to put up good results,” Ohtani said, while complimenting the talent of the Blue Jays’ offense.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2025

“It’s brilliant!” he whispers, complimenting her writing as propulsive.

From Salon • Jul. 13, 2025

And so she did, complimenting Esther and joking with Esther, but always in that manner that was both playful and patronizing, and sometimes giving Esther things, an old handbag, an old watch.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie