congratulatory

adjective

con·​grat·​u·​la·​to·​ry kən-ˈgra-chə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce congratulatory (audio)
-ˈgra-jə-
: expressing or conveying congratulations
a congratulatory message
As the magnitude of our discovery began to sink in, I thought to myself, "I think I know how we're going to be spending the next 20 years." I turned to shake hands and receive congratulatory hugs from our ecstatic workmen.—Kent R. Weeks
see also self-congratulatory

Examples of congratulatory in a Sentence

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.
Her phone gets a near-constant barrage of congratulatory texts. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 6 July 2026 Fireworks go off from behind the stage and congratulatory music plays. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026 The pair finished up with Colbert sending a congratulatory cake from the network – a multi-layered wedding-style beast – sailing downward. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 May 2026 Warren also chimed in following Platner’s victory, sending a congratulatory message to the Democrat in a post on X Tuesday night. — Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for congratulatory

Word History

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of congratulatory was in 1523

Phrases Containing congratulatory

Rhymes for congratulatory

See All Rhymes for congratulatory

Browse Nearby Words

congratulator
congratulatory
con grazia
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Congratulatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/congratulatory. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

congratulatory

adjective
con·​grat·​u·​la·​to·​ry
kən-ˈgrach-(ə-)lə-ˌtōr-ē, 
-ˌtȯr-
: expressing congratulations
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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