pat on the head

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acclaim n.
approval n.
commendation n.

NOUN

acclaim

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 pumping up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

blame censure criticism disapproval

STRONG

condemnation debasement denunciation humiliation

WEAK

beratement jeering vituperation

NOUN

approval

Synonyms

STRONG

PR acclaim admiration applause appreciation approbation commendation esteem favor liking praise puff regard respect strokes stroking wow

WEAK

pat on the back pumping up

Antonyms

STRONG

blame censure criticism disapproval dislike disregard disrespect hate hatred neglect

WEAK

disfavor opposition refusal rejection

NOUN

commendation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

encouragement

STRONG

PR acclamation approbation approval award bouquet credit encomium honor panegyric pay plum points posy puff rave recommendation stroke stroking tribute

WEAK

brownie points good opinion pat on the back pumping up shot in the arm

Antonyms

STRONG

condemnation criticism disapproval dishonor disrespect ill repute

WEAK

blame censure reprimand

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.

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pat on the head

Richards eventually passed Spencer at the non-striker's end, giving him a high five and a pat on the head.

From BBC ● Dec. 1, 2025

They got a nice pat on the head in the preseason AP poll—No. 20.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2025

The message that “the numbers are good” landed like a pat on the head.

From Slate ● Aug. 14, 2025

When I expressed dismay that she’d been snubbed, I was met with condescension from adults who informed me, with a pat on the head, that superhero movies don’t get acting Oscars.

From New York Times ● Mar. 9, 2024

So I got a pat on the head and a doggie-pop instead.

From "Bunnicula" by Deborah Howe and James Howe

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