lamation, approval, encomium, panegyric,
adulation, cheering, eulogy, plaudit,
applause, cheers, flattery, sycophancy.

_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. [MACM. '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, contempt, hissing, repudiation,
animadversion, denunciation, ignominy, scorn,
blame, disapprobation, obloquy, slander,
censure, disapproval, reproach, vilification,
condemnation, disparagement, reproof, vituperation.

* * * * *

PRAY.

Synonyms:

ask, bid, entreat, invoke, request,
beg, call upon, implore, petition, supplicate.
beseech, conjure, importune, plead,

To _pray_, in the religious sense,