kudo

noun

ˈkü-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce kudo (audio)
Definition of kudonext
1
as in award
something given in recognition of achievement an honorary degree from her alma mater that is simply the latest kudo for an outstanding career in journalism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in compliment
an admiring personal remark a kudo is in order for the way the young people acquitted themselves at their first formal dance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of kudo But kudos to Pablo Rodriguez, the AT&T tech and real-life human who showed up at my house to fix the problem. — Larry Magid, Mercury News, 3 Sep. 2026 So Zohran Mamdani deserves at least tentative kudos for taking it on so early in his administration and for offering a solution that, while resoundingly imperfect, at least seems grounded in the real world. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 24 Aug. 2026 Alders who pushed last year for the full amount weren’t giving Johnson kudos. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 Outside of Ayo Edebiri and a couple of guest star nods, none of the main cast — including Jeremy Allen White — got kudos. — William Earl, Variety, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for kudo
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kudo
  1. award
  2. compliment
  3. prize
  4. tribute
  5. accolade
  6. commendation
Noun
  • So far, the streamer’s awards hopeful has collected $650,000 from two weekends in limited release.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Also presented at the ceremony are awards for the men's and women's young talent, goalkeeper, coach, club and striker.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of award
Noun
  • Seeing her attempt to empathize with her subjects, Sang-woo extends the most backhanded of compliments.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
  • At 45, Keenya Kelly gets more compliments on her skin than ever.
    — Ashley Abramson, Allure, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of compliment
Noun
  • An image of ink droplets inside a printer has won first prize at the Nikon Small World photomicrography competition, which focuses on images taken through a microscope.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Congratulations to Zane Li, who has now won enough young-designer prizes to have something like an EGOT, and to Aisling Camps and Emily Dawn Long, who are this year’s runners-up.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of prize
Noun
  • For their collaborative full-length debut, Eris Drew and Octo Octa hunkered down in their New Hampshire cabin to craft a celebratory, sample-heavy tribute to the maximalist dance music of yore.
    — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
  • In the center of the lounge there’s an imposing green marble bar—a tribute to the celebrated Italian architect Piero Portaluppi—that serves as the focal point of the space.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of tribute
Noun
  • Over the course of her long career, Curtis, 67, has developed a lengthy résumé in film and television, winning numerous accolades along the way, including an Oscar and an Emmy (she’s been nominated for a Grammy too — there’s still time for an EGOT).
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Women who've accepted their past mistakes aren't used to accepting accolades.
    — Noel Brennan, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of accolade
Noun
  • Everyone applauded politely when Joontos collected its Bib Gourmand, and when Aseeb and Myazu received commendations.
    — Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026
  • In appreciation of his efforts, he has been given a commendation from the Metropolitan Police and has received three Parliamentary awards.
    — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of commendation

Browse Nearby Words

kraits
kudo
kudos
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Cite this Entry

“Kudo.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kudo. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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