commendable
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
- commendableness noun
- commendably adverb
- noncommendable adjective
- noncommendableness noun
- noncommendably adverb
- uncommendable adjective
- uncommendably adverb
Etymology
Origin of commendable
First recorded in 1350–1400; from Old French, from Latin commendābilis, equivalent to commendā(re) commend ( def. ) + -bilis -ble ( def. )
Explanation
If something's commendable it deserves whatever praise it receives. When you developed a car that could run on solar power, that was a commendable accomplishment. Now, it's time to move from Seattle. Coming from the verb "to commend," commendable can find its roots in the Latin commendāre, meaning "to praise." So, it only makes sense that someone who has done some commendable deed should get praise for it. American author James Branch Cabell once wrote: "While it is well enough to leave footprints on the sands of time, it is even more important to make sure they point in a commendable direction."
Vocabulary lists containing commendable
Thumbs Up: Synonyms for "Good"
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The Merchant of Venice
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The Phantom Tollbooth
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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.
But Roslyn Ruff, a talented actor who speaks the verse with commendable clarity, fails to imbue the character with the necessary domineering imperiousness.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026
It’s honestly surprising and commendable how she was able to keep her life private, and I’m happy for her.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025
It also demonstrated there was immense quality to go with her commendable longevity - with Fishlock playing in 67% of the 245 international matches ever played by the Welsh women's side.
From BBC • Oct. 15, 2025
Not that the PA is a thoroughly commendable organization.
From Slate • Sep. 3, 2025
A streak of tolerance was detectable; Finny decided that they were beginning to show commendable signs of maturity.
From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
