congratulate

1 of 2

verb

con·​grat·​u·​late kən-ˈgra-chə-ˌlāt How to pronounce congratulate (audio)
-ˈgra-jə-
congratulated; congratulating
Synonyms of congratulatenext

transitive verb

1
: to express vicarious pleasure to (a person) on the occasion of success or good fortune
graciously congratulated the winner
also : to feel pleased with
congratulating herself for a job well done
2
archaic : to express sympathetic pleasure at (an event)
3
obsolete : salute, greet
congratulator
kən-ˈgra-chə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce congratulate (audio)
-ˈgra-jə-
noun

congratulator

2 of 2

noun

con·​grat·​u·​la·​tor kən-ˈgra-chə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce congratulator (audio)
-jə-
plural -s
: one that congratulates

Synonyms of congratulate

Relevance

Verb

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Examples of congratulate in a Sentence

Verb I'd like to congratulate you on your success. She congratulated us on our test results. She congratulated herself for getting the best grade in her class.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Leaders from across Latin America largely congratulated Lula's historic win. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026 On their way out, and in so many words, Beatrice essentially apologizes for Smallwood’s behavior to Serena (and even congratulates her on the baby). — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 Vogue’s Head of Editorial Content Chloe Malle and model Mona Tougaard then took the stage to congratulate all 10 of this year’s CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists before Tougaard announced the results. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 The tragedy unfolded just one day after the archdiocese congratulated Sánchez Molinari on the anniversary of his ordination, Ecuadorian news outlet Primicias reported. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for congratulate

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin congratulatus, past participle of congratulari to wish joy, from com- + gratulari to wish joy, from gratus pleasing — more at grace

First Known Use

Verb

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of congratulate was in 1539

Rhymes for congratulate

See All Rhymes for congratulate

Browse Nearby Words

congratulant
congratulate
congratulation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Congratulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/congratulate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

congratulate

verb
con·​grat·​u·​late kən-ˈgrach-ə-ˌlāt How to pronounce congratulate (audio)
congratulated; congratulating
: to express pleasure to on account of success or good fortune
congratulate the winner
Etymology

Verb

from Latin congratulatus "has wished joy," derived from Latin con-, com- "with, together" and gratulari "to wish joy," from gratus "pleasing, agreeable, thankful" — related to grace, gratitude

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