as in congratulating
to express to (someone) admiration for his or her success or good fortune
complimented her on her election victory
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Recent Examples of complimenting
The proud father replied by complimenting the group before sharing the good news.
—
Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026
The rooms Rooms in the main house nod to the building’s noble bones, complimenting its sweeping ceilings with airy whites and modern lacquers.
—Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
In her lawsuit, which was first filed in 2021, Walters claimed that Warner lured her into a job in 2010 by complimenting her photography and offering an artistic collaboration.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2026
Angel went for a respectful middle-of-the-road jab — complimenting her parenting and resilience, but maligning her for being petty.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 5 Jan. 2026
According to Carleton, complimenting kiddos for complying with clothing directions is key to getting cooperation.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 3 Dec. 2025
What was Jordan’s reaction to Marciano complimenting you and calling you beautiful?
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 13 Nov. 2025
Under normal circumstances, complimenting a kicker for making all seven extra points and keeping all eight kickoffs in bounds would be like praising a high schooler for tying their shoes.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Those who'd managed to get a taste were complimenting the dish all night.
—Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026
The rooms Rooms in the main house nod to the building’s noble bones, complimenting its sweeping ceilings with airy whites and modern lacquers.
—Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
In her lawsuit, which was first filed in 2021, Walters claimed that Warner lured her into a job in 2010 by complimenting her photography and offering an artistic collaboration.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2026
Angel went for a respectful middle-of-the-road jab — complimenting her parenting and resilience, but maligning her for being petty.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 5 Jan. 2026
According to Carleton, complimenting kiddos for complying with clothing directions is key to getting cooperation.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 3 Dec. 2025
What was Jordan’s reaction to Marciano complimenting you and calling you beautiful?
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 13 Nov. 2025
Under normal circumstances, complimenting a kicker for making all seven extra points and keeping all eight kickoffs in bounds would be like praising a high schooler for tying their shoes.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Those who'd managed to get a taste were complimenting the dish all night.
—Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complimenting
congratulating
Verb
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During that time, policemen and policewomen, Black and white, approached Officer Daniel, hugging him, shaking his hand, patting him on the back, congratulating him — demonstrating an enormous outpouring of support and admiration.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Daniel Girdler got plenty of text messages this week congratulating him on his recent engagement.—
Jason Armesto,
AJC.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Complimenting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complimenting. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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