extol

verb

ex·​tol ik-ˈstōl How to pronounce extol (audio)
variants or less commonly extoll
extolled; extolling
Synonyms of extolnext

transitive verb

: to praise highly : glorify
extoller noun
extolment
ik-ˈstōl-mənt How to pronounce extol (audio)
noun

Synonyms of extol

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Examples of extol in a Sentence

The health benefits of exercise are widely extolled. campaign literature extolling the candidate's military record
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Do the leaders of the world who extol power and might not hear people’s anguished cries to end war and human misery? — Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026 Every wartime president extols the nation’s virtues. — Michael Kazin, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026 While some extol the virtues of remote work, many business leaders observe significant productivity drops. — Bill Holmes, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Part of the success of the Dunwoody clinic stems from its presence on social media, where its co-founder extols therapies and treatments outside the realm of mainstream medicine. — Carrie Teegardin, AJC.com, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for extol

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin extollere, from ex- + tollere to lift up — more at tolerate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extol was in the 15th century

Rhymes for extol

See All Rhymes for extol

Browse Nearby Words

extl
extol
extoller
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Cite this Entry

“Extol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extol. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

extol

verb
ex·​tol
variants also extoll
ik-ˈstōl How to pronounce extol (audio)
extolled; extolling
: to praise highly
extoller noun
extolment
-mənt How to pronounce extol (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on extol

Nglish: Translation of extol for Spanish Speakers

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