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 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 The veteran coach congratulated his team for the win and quickly pivoted to yelling about mental mistakes that kept Houston County in the game. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026 Williams watched the record-breaking performance on TV from his home in Glen Ellyn and called Crow-Armstrong after the game to congratulate the 24-year-old. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 20 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
  • The Textile-to-Textile Ecosystem Award went to the Circulose Recycling Ecosystem, commending the brand commitments and fiber-producer partnerships supporting the Swedish company’s industrial restart.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In a statement this week, the ACLU of Kansas commended Overland Park police for updating its policy, and for including community members in the process.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • Penélope Cruz arrives for a few scenes as a wartime cabaret singer — her performance for a group of cheering soldiers is a burst of bawdy energy.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The bidding for the Bomberg work had the room cheering, and the auctioneer even asked for a closer inspection of the painting.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of cheer
Verb
  • Kardashian has been a longtime fan of statement-making shoes, often balancing her figure-hugging clothing choices with bold platform heels.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • After the verdict was read, Foster hugged his parents, who have accompanied him to court throughout the proceedings.
    — Menelaos Hadjicostis, Los Angeles Times, 16 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
  • Maiava echoed Riley’s sentiment when asked about Dyakonov, praising his ability to fill in for Paige on short notice.
    — Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Prior to the first game of the ALCS, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt praised the Tampa Bay and Cleveland general managers respectively.
    — Isaac Tellechea, CNN Money, 14 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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