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.
Rashan Gary was loud and congratulatory to the players who performed well in the Dallas Cowboys’ 38-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026 Louella sent Hedda a congratulatory telegram when her first radio broadcast went national. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026 Diamond earrings from Daniel’s Jewelers can celebrate everything from a graduation or promotion to a personal accomplishment that deserves considerably more recognition than a congratulatory text. — Ethan Stone october 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026 When Suárez passed Busch to win his first NASCAR race in Michigan in 2016, Busch was one of the first to meet him in victory lane and offer a congratulatory hug. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

congratulatory

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