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Definitions

put in a good word

VERB
defend
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advocate argue assert back champion endorse explain guarantee justify maintain stand by support uphold
STRONG
aid befriend espouse exculpate exonerate plead rationalize recommend second stonewall sustain vindicate warrant
WEAK
apologize for back up bear one out come to defense of cover for go to bat for prove a case ride shotgun for say in defense speak up for stand up for stick up for thump for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
oppose protest reject
STRONG
accuse blame condemn
WEAK
abandon attack deny forsake relinquish renounce
VERB
recommend
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advocate back confirm endorse favor justify praise prescribe propose suggest uphold urge
STRONG
acclaim advance applaud celebrate commend compliment counsel enjoin esteem eulogize exalt exhort extol glorify laud magnify plug prize sanction second steer value
WEAK
be all for be satisfied with front for go on record for hold up put forward put on to speak highly of speak well of stand by think highly of vouch for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
censure condemn deny discourage dissuade oppose protest reject
STRONG
blame castigate criticize debase decrease denounce disapprove dislike disregard hate humiliate insult mock refuse
VERB
swear by
Synonyms
WEAK
advocate back bank on be satisfied with believe in compliment depend on it endorse go on the record for have faith in plug praise speak highly of speak well of stand by suggest think highly of vouch for

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.

In the email exchange, Albus put in a good word for a St. Louis lawyer who was a finalist for an appellate court judgeship, and Blunt ultimately selected that candidate.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

The moms who ask whether a friend-of-a-friend should put in a good word.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

Uncle Buddy had connections with the Reds and put in a good word for his nephew.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2024

Rudolph needs to put in a good word for us.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 17, 2021

Surely a trip to Saint Petersburg was an excellent idea, for there he could meet the senior officers and perhaps put in a good word for himself.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood