congratulate

verb

con·grat·u·late | \ kən-ˈgra-chə-ˌlāt

, -ˈgra-jə-\

congratulated; congratulating

Definition of congratulate

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

Other Words from congratulate Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about congratulate

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from congratulate

congratulator \ kən-ˈgra-chə-ˌlā-tər

, -ˈgra-jə- \ noun

congratulatory \ kən-ˈgra-chə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē

, -ˈgra-jə- \ adjective

Examples of congratulate in a Sentence

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

Both city and state officials issued official proclamations in honor of Kelly’s continuous service to the nation, and local businesses congratulated the base in special advertisements. — Paula Allen, ExpressNews.com, "Oscar-winning aviation epic shot in San Antonio had a’ re-premiere’ for Kelly AFB’s 50th anniversary," 29 June 2019 That week, Phoenix Mayor Milton Graham congratulated the police chief for the raid at 8th Day coffeehouse near First and Roosevelt streets. — Kyra Haas, azcentral, "Phoenix's LGBTQ spaces faced raids 'policing morals' of city. The Stonewall riots helped change that," 28 June 2019 Flagg wrote, posting a video of himself being congratulated by members of the Hurricanes’ coaching staff during his recent visit to Coral Gables. — Christy Cabrera Chirinos, sun-sentinel.com, "Linebacker Corey Flagg commits to Miami, helps Hurricanes address position of need," 18 June 2019 To say farewell to Zetsche, known affectionately as Dr. Z, BMW released a video congratulating him on his retirement. — Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, "BMW Pokes Fun at Mercedes-Benz CEO Dieter Zetsche's Retirement with Audacious Farewell Video," 22 May 2019 We‘re quick to congratulate ourselves for composting Another common finding? — National Geographic, "Most people waste more food than they think—here's how to fix it," 24 Apr. 2019 Bishop Michael Curry congratulated Meghan and Harry on Twitter Monday. — Eileen Reslen, Town & Country, "Bishop Michael Curry Congratulates Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on Their Pregnancy News," 16 Oct. 2018 If the ages were the same but the genders reversed, your pals would be congratulating you. — Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, "Ask Amy: Older woman thinks she’s Mrs. Robinson," 20 June 2019 Friend and collaborator Cardi B congratulated Yung Miami on the news via her Instagram story. — Jasmine Grant, Essence, "Yung Miami Of City Girls Is Expecting Her Second Child!," 12 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'congratulate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.