congratulate

verb

kən-ˈgra-chə-ˌlāt How to pronounce congratulate (audio)
Definition of congratulatenext
as in to commend
to express to (someone) admiration for his or her success or good fortune let me be the first to congratulate you on winning the award

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of congratulate Last week, Mancini congratulated Flanagan on his series adaptation of King’s 1974 debut novel. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 The French Academy of Sciences, of which Kagan is a member, congratulated the two scientists and expressed its pride in the prize. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 The pair held a phone call Wednesday, according to IRNA, in which Pezeshkian congratulated Putin on his birthday. — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 Brown said a wild Knicks fan tailed him home to congratulate him on winning the Finals during a bike ride over the offseason. — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for congratulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulate
  1. commend
  2. cheer
  3. hug
  4. compliment
  5. praise
Verb
  • Two Democratic political organizations are running adverts on the House’s bill to ban congressional stock trading, criticizing a Republican over the vote while commending a Democrat running in a different district for supporting the bill.
    — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Related Articles The runway appearance of both Hosk and Palvin has set the internet aflame, with awed viewers commending the new moms and calling attention to the indelible power of women.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • Betsy Smith, the head of the Central Park Conservancy, the nonprofit which operates the park, cheered the passage of the bill.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But outrage erupted as tour proceeds are set to fund the radical Palestinian Youth Movementâa extreme group that openly cheered Hamas's brutal October 7 massacre.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of cheer
Verb
  • The curvaceous Road to Hana, which hugs Maui's northeastern shore around Haleakalā National Park, is one of the island's most memorable experiences, one that will make the hassle of renting a car worth it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Coach Bill Self, who hugged Bidunga shortly before tip, was not pleased with the obscene chants staring into the student section.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • Bruno says, also complimenting his improvement on his timing and his form.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
  • And the owners’ taste, in this case, is pleasant and broadly appealing, complimenting the home’s high ceilings and historic features.
    — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of compliment
Verb
  • Supporters, including Catholic and Orthodox Jewish school advocates and Democrats for Education Reform, praised the move.
    — Lara Murray-Sterzel, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Global Reach, an advocacy group that works to free Americans detained abroad and currently represents five Americans held in Russia, praised the release but called for the other prisoners to come home as well.
    — Dasha Litvinova, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of praise

Browse Nearby Words

conglomerative
congratulate
congratulated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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