Definitions

summa cum laude

[soom-uh koom lou-dey, -duh, -dee, suhm-uh kuhm law-dee] / ˈsʊm ə kʊm ˈlaʊ deɪ, -də, -di, ˈsʌm ə kʌm ˈlɔ di /

ADJECTIVE

with the greatest honor

Synonyms

WEAK

highest honors with highest honor with highest praise

ADVERB

with the greatest honor

Synonyms

WEAK

highest honors with highest honor with highest praise

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 graduated summa cum laude from Harvard in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

After graduation, though, she struggled to find her footing, eventually graduating summa cum laude from the City University of New York with a theater degree.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

I spoke with Charlotte Woodward, who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and now works as Education Program Associate for National Down Syndrome Society.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2025

Hanks proved to be the most popular person on stage, posing for selfies with faculty members before the ceremony and giving congratulatory fist bumps to dozens of Harvard students who graduated summa cum laude.

From Seattle Times • May 25, 2023

Ultimately he graduated from Duke summa cum laude.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French