CONGRATULATES Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

congratulates

verb

present tense third-person singular of congratulate

as in commends

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

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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 congratulates As Ospreay walks away, Kenny Omega congratulates him on his performance at Forbidden Door. — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 This logic would not have barred any of the Jim Crow voting devices that the Roberts Court frequently congratulates itself and the nation for overcoming. — Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026 Trump congratulates the Swanson family. — Sean Gregory, Time, 26 May 2026 Don congratulates the rest of the team and continues to work, while Kate, Bailey and Erin celebrate with drinks together. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 Occasionally, bottles of water and loaves of bread are distributed, and Lydia congratulates herself for having the discipline to make her slice last. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026 Tiafoe has been one of Baptiste’s biggest fans and congratulates her often on social media. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026 But then the public address announcer congratulates Charlisse Leger-Walker for her four All-Pac-12 honors and her conference title with Washington State (which came at UCLA’s expense), and the whole ceremony starts to make less sense. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026 On the communication system that reaches everyone, Krispel congratulates cast and crew on a good show, reminds them that curtain is at 7 tomorrow, asks them to drive safely. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 4 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulates

Verb

The report commends changes including protecting wetlands, improving stormwater and wastewater infrastructure, and expanding water quality monitoring, including notification programs that warn people about unsafe conditions in rivers and streams.

— Joe Brandt, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Maynard also commends the company for its presentation of the result, in light of AI’s tendency to copy humans’ mathematical results and present them as its own ideas.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of commends

Verb

Share a draft with a friend who cheers you on, and notice how confidence grows.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2026
Former University of Florida Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Tim Tebow cheers with fans during the Florida Legends Experience at the Alachua County Sports & Events Center in Gainesville on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of cheers

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
Hilary Swank hugs The Lion King’s Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi (l) and Steven Taylor backstage at the Broadway production in New York City.

— Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of hugs

Verb

Special envoy Steve Witkoff praises President Vladimir Putin after Russia frees a retired American teacher.

— David Hickey, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2026
Levine praises a call from Israel’s president Levine was recovering Sunday from injuries that included what appeared to be stab wounds in her buttocks, which required stitches.

— Cara Anna, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of praises

Verb

Valdes applauds her patient’s athletic lifestyle and said several large studies back the benefits of finding a physical and social activity when dealing with cancer.

— Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Even so, Wilson applauds Hamilton for making classical studies popular and accessible through her vigorous writing style and skill as a storyteller.

— David Conrads, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of applauds

Verb

Each brings something different to the table and compliments the other by filling in for the other's weaknesses.

— Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
The investigation also compliments previous claims that CCC’s regulations impede coastal infrastructure projects, which has drawn criticism from multiple political fronts over the last year.

— Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026

Definition of compliments

Browse Nearby Words

congratulated

congratulates

congratulating

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“Congratulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulates. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of congratulates

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