Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for compliment. Search instead for uncompliment.
Definitions

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.

He knows that “Marty Supreme” holds an unflattering mirror up to his own drive and allows that to become its own backhanded compliment to the thrill of watching an actor chase success at all costs.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

We thought we owed him the opportunity after our criticism of his tariffs, and we’ll pay him the additional compliment of parsing his claims.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

That No 10 feels the need to criticise the Greens is a backhanded compliment that shows they matter.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

Slot was full of praise for Robertson saying that "the way he speaks is a big compliment".

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

I show him how to find the corner pieces first, and I compliment him each time he attaches a new piece.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison