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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 Fineman, 38, congratulated the newest SNL cast members in her own Instagram post after the big reveal. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 Kimmel then asked about CBS and whether anyone from the network congratulated their erstwhile star Colbert for the Emmy wins. — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026 When Reddick won the Daytona 500 in February, NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell and chief operating officer Ben Kennedy were among the first to congratulate Jordan, the trio embracing in a hall outside Jordan’s suite. — Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Kaley Cuoco crashed Tom Pelphrey’s post-Emmys interview to embrace her fiancé and congratulate him once more on his big win. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for congratulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulate
  1. commend
  2. cheer
  3. hug
  4. compliment
  5. praise
Verb
  • Chicago 7th Ward Alderman Greg Mitchell, the main speaker at the unveiling, commended West’s cultural contributions and her legacy as an educator during her tenure at Chicago State University.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Bragg, whose office had sought a 20-year prison term, commended Haley and all of the women who came forward against Weinstein, several of whom attended the hearing.
    — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • Schauffele made a similar point about the opportunity international competition gives Americans to cheer together.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • This is a film that will have audiences on their feet cheering.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of cheer
Verb
  • Michael does have a nice moment with Joe in this man wine cave about Joe standing up for him at the round table, and they hug.
    — Alice Burton, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Garlin was accused by members of the cast and crew of inappropriate verbal conduct, unwanted physical contact, including hugging and touching, and behavior that some employees described as creating an uncomfortable work environment.
    — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • James became a professional wedding photographer, complimenting Vera’s rising skills as a seamstress.
    — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The teacher allegedly complimented Jane Doe repeatedly and touched her during class.
    — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of compliment
Verb
  • The jury noted the film, which had its world premiere at Oldenburg, was made without a budget and praised the resourcefulness that constraint produced, comparing its tone to the irreverence of 1990s comedies.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026
  • To thunderous applause, Kirchner praised the expansive welfare programs of his mother's presidency, which ended over a decade ago.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 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 1 Oct. 2026.

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