Acclaim
What it means
Strong public praise that recognizes unusual quality or achievement.
Reach for it when describing broad, enthusiastic approval from audiences or reviewers
The debut film earned acclaim for its patient and humane storytelling.
Words to choose between 7
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
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| literary |
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playful
rave reviews
Fits when critics respond with conspicuous excitement
Careful This phrase belongs poorly in a dignified award citation.
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everyday
Fits when the approval is literally expressed by an audience
Careful Applause may reward one moment rather than lasting achievement.
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everyday
Fits when approval may be private, personal, or modest
Careful Praise alone does not indicate the public intensity of acclaim.
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warm
Fits when respect and regard are felt rather than publicly announced
Careful Admiration can remain silent and individual.
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professional
Fits when being acknowledged matters more than enthusiastic approval
Careful Recognition can be neutral and may arrive without admiration.
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formal
commendation
Fits when an authority gives official praise for conduct or service
Careful Commendation is narrower and more procedural than widespread acclaim.
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literary
plaudits
Fits when public congratulations suit polished cultural writing
Careful Plaudits sounds affected in an ordinary personal message.
Opposites 3
- criticism
- disapproval
- condemnation
Common phrases 3
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critical acclaim
The compact design received critical acclaim at the exhibition.
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international acclaim
Her translation brought the poet international acclaim.
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widespread acclaim
The rescue program won widespread acclaim from coastal communities.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated