Antonyms for compliment
ˈkɒm plə mənt; -ˌmɛntcom·pli·ment

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:3.3 / 6 votes

1. compliment

   Praise is the hearty approval of an individual, or of a number or multitude considered individually, and is expressed by spoken or written words; applause, the spontaneous outburst of many at once. Applause is expressed in any way, by stamping of feet, clapping of hands, waving of handkerchiefs, etc., as well as by the voice; acclamation is the spontaneous and hearty approval of many at once, and strictly by the voice alone. Thus one is chosen moderator by acclamation when he receives a unanimous viva voce vote; we could not say he was nominated by applause. Acclaim is the more poetic term for acclamation, commonly understood in a loftier sense; as, a nation's acclaim. Plaudit is a shout of applause, and is commonly used in the plural; as, the plaudits of a throng. Applause is also used in the general sense of praise. Approbation is a milder and more qualified word than praise; while praise is always uttered, approbation may be silent. "Approbation speaks of the thing or action.... Praise is always personal." A. W. and J. C. Hare Guesses at Truth first series, p. 549. [Macmillan & Co. '66.] Acceptance refers to an object or action; approbation may refer to character or natural traits. Approval always supposes a testing or careful examination, and frequently implies official sanction; approbation may be upon a general view. The industry and intelligence of a clerk win his employer's approbation; his decision in a special instance receives his approval. Praise is always understood as genuine and sincere, unless the contrary is expressly stated; compliment is a light form of praise that may or may not be sincere; flattery is insincere and ordinarily fulsome praise.

   Antonyms:
   abuse, animadversion, blame, censure, condemnation, contempt, denunciation, disapprobation, disapproval, disparagement, hissing, ignominy, obloquy, reproach, reproof, repudiation, scorn, slander, vilification, vituperation

   Synonyms:
   acclaim, acclamation, adulation, applause, approbation, approval, cheering, cheers, encomium, eulogy, flattery, laudation, panegyric, plaudit, praise, sycophancy

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:3.0 / 4 votes

1. complimentnoun

   Antonyms:
   insult, discourtesy, contempt

   Synonyms:
   homage, courtesy, flattery, praise

Matched Categories

1. • Greet
   • Praise

Princeton's WordNetRate these antonyms:1.0 / 1 vote

1. complimentverb

   a remark (or act) expressing praise and admiration

2. compliment, congratulateverb

   say something to someone that expresses praise

   "He complimented her on her last physics paper"

   Synonyms:
   preen, pride, congratulate, felicitate, plume

3. complimentverb

   express respect or esteem for

   Synonyms:
   congratulate

How to use compliment in a sentence?

1. Mark Twain:

   When you cannot get a compliment any other way pay yourself one.

2. Lucius Annaeus Seneca:

   Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear-not absence of fear. Except a creature be part coward it is not a compliment to say it is brave.

3. Paul Hokemeyer:

   Really focus on how the person makes you feel. Relationships should compliment you and support you and make you feel good about yourself so try to stay away from people who have a toxic effect on you.

4. Joe Biden:

   For you to stand and recall that brings it all back immediately -- it brings it back, and it's hard, so I just got to compliment you for your courage.

5. Larissa Hirsch:

   Compliment them on things that have nothing to do with appearance: how well they shared with their brother, how nicely they stood up for their friend, how generous they were, things of that nature, trying to be supportive and positive and showing the importance of things that have less to do with appearance and more to do with the type of person you are.

How to pronounce compliment?

How to say compliment in sign language?

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