Hail

v.joyful, capableprofessional

What it means

To welcome or praise someone or something with strong public approval.

Reach for it when describing enthusiastic recognition from a group, audience, or reviewer

Local educators hailed the library's decision to extend weekend hours.

everyday
praise
approval can be direct and measured
not when Praise does not convey the collective enthusiasm usually carried by hail.
warm
celebrate
the achievement deserves joyful attention as well as approval
not when Celebrate can mark an occasion without judging the work itself.
professional
applaud
support for a decision or principle is being made public
not when Applaud may mean polite approval and need not imply exceptional merit.
formal
acclaim
broad or authoritative praise establishes high standing
not when Acclaim implies notable public recognition and is too grand for one warm response.
formal
laud
concise written praise suits criticism or reporting
not when Laud is bookish and rarely sounds natural in casual congratulations.
formal
salute
respect for service or courage is central
not when Salute carries ceremonial or military associations that can overwhelm artistic praise.
literary
extol
the praise is elaborate and emphatic
not when Extol can sound excessive when the approval was brief or mixed.

hail as a success
Reviewers hail the redesign as a success for accessibility.
widely hailed
The agreement was widely hailed for protecting both wetlands and jobs.
hail the achievement
Speakers will hail the achievement without hiding the work still ahead.
critics hail
Critics hail the debut for its restraint and clarity.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.