# acclaim

/əˈkɫeɪm/ (US) · /ɐklˈeɪm/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acclaim
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

strong praise and approval from a lot of people. It is often used when a famous person or a piece of art gets great reviews.

For teachers: enthusiastic and public praise or approval. Often associated with artistic, academic, or political achievement.

## Examples

- The new film received great critical acclaim.
- The young diplomat returned home to wide acclaim after successfully negotiating the peace treaty.
- Despite the initial controversy surrounding its brutalist design, the new library eventually won international acclaim for its innovative use of natural light and sustainable materials.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the phrase 'critical acclaim' or following the verbs 'receive', 'win', or 'earn'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.