kudos

[koo-dohz, -dohs, -dos, kyoo-] / ˈku doʊz, -doʊs, -dɒs, ˈkyu- /

NOUN

praise, acclaim

Synonyms

STRONGEST

applause

STRONG

PR credit distinction eminence esteem fame flattery glory honor illustriousness notability plaudits plum preeminence prestige prominence puff raves regard renown repute strokes

WEAK

laudation pat on the back pumping up

Antonyms

STRONG

condemnation denunciation dishonor disregard disrespect ill repute unimportance

WEAK

blame criticism

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.

The joke here was that Barkley, already known for being outspoken, has been getting kudos for speaking out in favor of immigrants on a CBS broadcast.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

Despite the bipartisan kudos, the effort has a ways to go on Capitol Hill.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 24, 2026

If you saw all of this coming, kudos to you—you knew more about Maye’s potential than even his top receiver.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

But the kudos was a double-edged sword for Gyngell, who left the cafe a year after the award, saying she was frustrated by customers who expected a traditional Michelin experience at her rustic cafe.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2025

Which left the way to first-prize kudos wide open for Joe Mondragon.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

Vocabulary lists containing kudos

Turtles All the Way Down

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Challenge, List 9

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A Deadly Wandering

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!