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 In the comments, fans congratulated Aly on her Broadway debut while others shared their disappointment over not being able to see the duo live. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2026 Jolly, who’s been campaigning against divisiveness in politics, issued a statement congratulating Avila shortly after Tuesday’s announcement. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 In the letter, written after Eminem was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, Parton congratulated the artist on the honor and praised his performance that night. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026 The unusual ceremony quickly drew reactions online, with many commenters praising the crew on their thoughtfulness and congratulating the newlyweds on their happy occasion. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for congratulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulate
  1. commend
  2. cheer
  3. hug
  4. compliment
  5. praise
Verb
  • Gates joined Rodrigo on stage to commend her for her philanthropic efforts with Daisy Chain Fields.
    — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Pawsitive Tails Dog Rescue posted on Facebook commending the work of volunteers who banded together to care for the dogs.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • Rome — Rome’s ancient Colosseum, where gladiators were once gored by wild animals to the delight of cheering crowds, has never exactly been associated with safety.
    — Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Thanks to the studio audience of super fans and elaborate red carpet entrance, this felt less like a reunion and more like an awards show (and occasionally, when the audience cheered or booed for an Islander on stage, like a Jerry Springer set).
    — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of cheer
Verb
  • Shelley Strommen, one of the activists who has spearheaded the effort, hugged Gorman.
    — Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026
  • As the end approached, families moved out, one at a time, hugging and saying goodbyes to each other outside their dorms.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • Truly, no one is more willing than a Harrie to snap 25 photos of you outside the venue (plus retakes, if necessary) before effusively complimenting your hair glitter.
    — Michelle Ruiz, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • As for freshman running backs Jonaz Walton and Javian Osborne, Denbrock complimented the four-star prospects’ potential while also throwing cold water on expectations for them this early in their careers.
    — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of compliment
Verb
  • The scholar of religion Friedrich Max Müller (1823–1900) noticed that many Vedic hymns praise different deities using the same superlatives and ascribe to them the same mythological feats.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Head coach Willie Simmons praised his team’s athleticism and talent through fall camp, while emphasizing the X’s and O’s with the season opener approaching.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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