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 Fineman, 38, congratulated the newest SNL cast members in her own Instagram post after the big reveal. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 Kimmel then asked about CBS and whether anyone from the network congratulated their erstwhile star Colbert for the Emmy wins. — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026 When Reddick won the Daytona 500 in February, NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell and chief operating officer Ben Kennedy were among the first to congratulate Jordan, the trio embracing in a hall outside Jordan’s suite. — Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Kaley Cuoco crashed Tom Pelphrey’s post-Emmys interview to embrace her fiancé and congratulate him once more on his big win. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for congratulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulate
  1. commend
  2. cheer
  3. hug
  4. compliment
  5. praise
Verb
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) chimed in on the conversation, commending Doe for coming forward.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Several Israeli officials commended the bravery of those on board the plane.
    — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • That love for the team carried over to Zeke, who remembers cheering for the Broncos growing up and playing on The Blue as a third grader at the Optimist youth football camp.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Hegseth announced his latest assault in a speech Wednesday afternoon to a cheering audience of junior officers and enlisted men and women.
    — David Ignatius, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of cheer
Verb
  • After the game, where Wilson dominated yet again, leading all scorers with 36 points, along with 10 rebounds, Wilson was seen hugging team owner Mark Davis, as well as friends, and her mother, Eva Rakes Wilson.
    — Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • At least that seems to be the bet Meta and OpenAI are making amid all the AI doomerism talk, giving their new AI agents faces people might want to hug.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • Probably recordings of them complimenting one another and wishing each other a happy birthday and offering brotherly advice.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Any team can win (or lose) on Sundays There’s a reason Andy Reid complimented the opposing team despite poor recent performances and the overall record.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of compliment
Verb
  • The one-minute television spot includes Poindexter’s daughters praising their father for his work ethic and dedication to their family.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Smoke’N Ash is also praised for Patrick Hicks’ brisket, pork ribs and rib tips, along with an extensive menu of desserts.
    — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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