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.

And that’s as big a compliment as I can pay to any cop show.

From Los Angeles Times

Catherine’s date, Jordan, took it as a compliment.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Selling 98% of the tickets before announcing a single artist is the biggest compliment we could ever receive," said Mr Robinson.

From BBC

I wasn’t sure if that was a compliment, or if I should thank her, so I just looked back at the frog-booger art.

From Literature

The quarterback showed his grit — decidedly not a left-handed compliment.

From Los Angeles Times