congratulate

1 of 2

verb

con·​grat·​u·​late kən-ˈgra-chə-ˌlāt 

-ˈgra-jə-

congratulated; congratulating

transitive verb

1

: to express vicarious pleasure to (a person) on the occasion of success or good fortune

graciously congratulated the winner

also : to feel pleased with

congratulating herself for a job well done

2

archaic : to express sympathetic pleasure at (an event)

3

obsolete : salute, greet

congratulator

kən-ˈgra-chə-ˌlā-tər 

-ˈgra-jə-

noun

congratulator

2 of 2

noun

con·​grat·​u·​la·​tor kən-ˈgra-chə-ˌlā-tər 

-jə-

plural -s

: one that congratulates

Synonyms of congratulate

Verb

• commend
• cheer
• hug
• compliment
• praise

Examples of congratulate in a Sentence

Verb

I'd like to congratulate you on your success.

She congratulated us on our test results.

She congratulated herself for getting the best grade in her class.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Ryan Reynolds, known for playing the mouthy mercenary in the Deadpool franchise, took to social media to congratulate The Odyssey and pass the torch. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026

National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson congratulated Singer in a statement. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

An emotional moment was then shown between the three of them, as well as players coming up to congratulate him afterwards. — Hunter Delauder, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Early in the evening, when the outcome became obvious, Manley called Wasserman Schultz to congratulate her on her win, both said. — Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin congratulatus, past participle of congratulari to wish joy, from com- + gratulari to wish joy, from gratus pleasing — more at grace

First Known Use

Verb

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for congratulate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

Kids Definition

congratulate

verb

con·​grat·​u·​late kən-ˈgrach-ə-ˌlāt 

congratulated; congratulating

: to express pleasure to on account of success or good fortune

congratulate the winner

Etymology

Verb

from Latin congratulatus "has wished joy," derived from Latin con-, com- "with, together" and gratulari "to wish joy," from gratus "pleasing, agreeable, thankful" — related to grace, gratitude