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 Italian champions from other sports rushed to congratulate Antonelli. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026 In the meantime, please join me in congratulating this new leadership team…I’m incredibly excited to get going. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026 Haslem called Adebayo after Wednesday’s game to congratulate him on breaking his Heat rebounding record. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026 Along with the in-person performances, both Paul Anka and Pete Townshend recorded videos congratulating Mestel, also performing songs on video. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for congratulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulate
  1. commend
  2. cheer
  3. hug
  4. compliment
  5. praise
Verb
  • San Jose Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky, after losing to the Senators on Saturday, called them the best team his team has faced all season, commending them for being fast, competitive and connected.
    — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • It was not known why the anchor failed, but the heavy snowstorm was not a direct factor, according to the statement, which commended the college students for their love of the outdoors and preparation for the climbing trip.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • Stacey Young, executive director of Justice Connection, a nonprofit organization of former Justice Department employees that advocates for a non-politicized department, blasted Dhillon’s tenure in the department and cheered her departure.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Swarms of supporters, holding pro-Hamilton signs, cheered throughout the night as Democratic candidates across the country won race after race.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of cheer
Verb
  • The best boots that fit the trend are made of either soft leather or suede with a slim sole, intentional detailing, and a silhouette that hugs the foot.
    — Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026
  • His baggy jeans, chest-hugging polo and Oakley raver sunglasses lend themselves better to the hipster neighborhood of Silver Lake.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • There has always been friction between Reed and Helen, but in the main, Reed has been successful in using a shifting combination of wheedling, scolding, complimenting, and threatening to ensure Helen fullfils her mission objectives.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026
  • At a Manchester show, one music blog complimented the singer-songwriter’s deep and earthy voice, drawing comparisons to Glen Campbell and Harry Nilsson.
    — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of compliment
Verb
  • Trump praised O’Donnell’s positions on border security, taxes, and small businesses.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The MobLand actor was very diplomatic in his answer, generously praising the field of young stars who are up for the part.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 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 10 Nov. 2026.

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