Commended (13)
'commended' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for praised that I've seen before include "Despair (anag.)" , "Exalted" , "Expressed approval of" , "Acclaimed" , "Spoke well of" .)
(Another definition for congratulated that I've seen is " Complimented".)