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

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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 Plus, Pharrell Williams makes a cameo appearance to congratulate her on the big day; she was signed to the Neptunes’ Star Trak Entertainment imprint. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025 But instead, he was welcomed by a crowd of people who came to congratulate him. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 3 Nov. 2025 The president even congratulated him following the June 3 opening of his restaurant The Detroit Cowboy in Nashville. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025 French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez congratulated investigators on Sunday. Nick Duffy, NBC news, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for congratulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulate
Verb
  • Captain Brandon Fisher was commended by the heads of the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration and even Boeing executives for helping ensure none of the 177 people aboard flight 1282 were killed when the blowout happened in January 2024.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Critics and fans have commended the adaptation for its acting, cinematography, and adherence to the original source material.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Even if the Bears make it that far, the NFL season will not overlap with her competition, and so Kevin Warren on Tuesday was planning to be in Milan to cheer her on.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Educators stood on the street corner —holding signs, blowing whistles and cheering as passing cars honked in approval.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Brown, 21, made a statement in a figure-hugging black lace gown with feather details by Rodarte.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Sweeney’s look played with proportions, with the leg-hugging footwear offsetting her oversized ensemble.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Martin also made sure to compliment Ole Miss' defensive capabilities.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 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
Verb
  • His unique style made his work a major influence on art house cinema including American filmmakers Gus van Sant and Jim Jarmusch, who have praised his vision.
    Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Don’t be afraid to praise good work — doing so sets a tone that turns routine collaboration into something people enjoy.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Congratulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulate. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

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