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
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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After Beck’s winning TD an assistant coach on the sideline hugged Cristobal from behind but the head coach broke free and wanted none if that -- because Ole Miss and gifted QB Trinidad Chambliss had the ball left without about a half-minute left.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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In January 2025, Lane posted a photo on Instagram of himself hugging Layla and wishing her a happy birthday.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Martin also made sure to compliment Ole Miss' defensive capabilities.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
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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
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Congratulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulate. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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