Other forms: acclaimed
Acclaim is enthusiastic public praise. Critical acclaim, widespread acclaim, met with acclaim.
It is formal and belongs to reviews, awards and obituaries rather than conversation. Critical acclaim is the fixed phrase, and it means praise from critics specifically — which is why a book can win critical acclaim and sell nothing. The verb means to praise publicly: acclaimed as a masterpiece. Acclaimed as an adjective is very common before a noun: an acclaimed director. Note that acclaim carries no sense of prize money or sales, only reputation.
1nounacclaimEnthusiastic public praise.
“The second novel was met with acclaim and the third with silence.”
2verbenthusiasticallyTo praise publicly and enthusiastically.
“The film was acclaimed everywhere except at home.”
acclaim is public praise.