What does "kudos" mean?
Praise; accolades.
Kudos
/ˈkudoʊz/ intj, name, noun, verb, slang
intj, name, noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Praise; accolades.
- Grammar: kudos is listed as intj, name, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: praise, acclaim, acclaim, acclamation.
- Useful contrasts: blame, criticism, disapproval.
- Usage evidence: Kudos for your outstanding achievement!
How to use "kudos"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "kudos" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "kudos" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "kudos" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "kudos" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "kudos" is acting as intj, name, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "praise" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "kudos", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Praise; accolades. uncountable
"The talented, young playwright received much kudos for his new drama."
- 2 plural of kudo form-of, nonstandard, plural, proscribed, sometimes
- 3 an expression of approval and commendation wordnet
- 4 Credit for one's achievements. uncountable
"Meanwhile Nanny Broome was recovering from her initial panic and seemed anxious to make up for any kudos she might have lost, by exerting her personality to the utmost. She took the policeman's helmet and placed it on a chair, and unfolded his tunic to shake it and fold it up again for him."
Verb
- 1 To give praise or accolades. informal
"You know and I know that Dr. Tinsley likes a bit of kudosing every now and then. I think it would be well if we seriously considered some kind of honorable mention for him at the Conference."
- 2 third-person singular simple present indicative of kudo form-of, indicative, informal, nonstandard, present, proscribed, singular, sometimes, third-person
Intj
- 1 An interjection indicating praise or approval or as an acknowledgement of a laudable achievement.
Proper Noun
- 1 plural of Kudo form-of, plural
Antonyms
Example
"Kudos for your outstanding achievement!"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "kudos"?
Common synonyms include: praise, acclaim, acclaim, acclamation, accolade, adulation.
How do you use "kudos" in a sentence?
Kudos for your outstanding achievement!
How do you pronounce "kudos"?
Pronounced /ˈkudoʊz/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Ancient Greek κῦδος (kûdos, “praise, renown”).