There are several different ways to express the sentiment of "giving kudos," or recognizing and praising someone for their accomplishments. Here are a few synonyms you could consider using:
1. Commend: This verb can be used to express approval or admiration for someone's work or action, conveying a more formal tone than "kudos."
2. Applaud: Similar to "give a round of applause," this verb emphasizes the idea of recognizing and celebrating excellence.
3. Congratulate: This verb is commonly used to recognize someone for a specific achievement, such as winning an award or completing a difficult task.
4. Acknowledge: This verb can be used more broadly to recognize someone or something for their value or importance, as in "we want to acknowledge the hard work of our team members."
5. Hail: This verb conveys a sense of enthusiastic acclaim or celebration, often used in a more poetic or literary context.