as in commends
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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Recent Examples of congratulates
On the communication system that reaches everyone, Krispel congratulates cast and crew on a good show, reminds them that curtain is at 7 tomorrow, asks them to drive safely.
—
Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 4 Dec. 2025
At the tip meeting, Sandy congratulates the interior team and, in so many gentle words, tells the deck team to do better.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2025
Head coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes congratulates players after a first half scoring drive against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens at Folsom Field on September 6, 2025 in Boulder, Colorado.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 4 Dec. 2025
At the tip meeting, Sandy congratulates the interior team and, in so many gentle words, tells the deck team to do better.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2025
Head coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes congratulates players after a first half scoring drive against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens at Folsom Field on September 6, 2025 in Boulder, Colorado.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulates
Verb
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Will these two oddballs, thrust together by a dental emergency on a night that commends peace on Earth and goodwill toward men, maintain a friendship?—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
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Broncos head coach Sean Payton regularly commends Lazzaro’s work, both in terms of on-field data and research, and also in the scouting and draft realms.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Nothing good will ever happen to the Maple Leafs, or anyone who cheers for them.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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Waukesha County cheers key step in the process For Waukesha County, Boardman's statement satisfies officials' hope that state transportation leaders are at least acknowledging the importance of I-94 locally and are following the steps necessary to make a project happen at some point.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The green zone is a band of territory that hugs much of Gaza’s eastern perimeter and includes other areas seized through months of Israeli ground operations.—
Mohammed R. Mhawish,
New Yorker,
29 Dec. 2025
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As Dustin sobs, Steve hugs him, finally understanding why Dustin has been protecting himself from getting hurt again by putting up a hostile front.—
Kate Aurthur,
Variety,
26 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Also starring Jack Palance and Fritz Lang, the behind-the-scenes drama about the making of a movie begins with Bardot lying nude on a bed as her husband (Michel Piccoli) caresses and praises her body.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Dec. 2025
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This leave-in delivers serious hydration while helping repair past damage, says celebrity hairstylist Sophie Rose Gutterman, who praises its layer-friendly formula that works well with other products like gels and oils.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
23 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The town applauds their arrival every April with the Migratory Bird Celebration, three days of bird banding, tours, and lectures.—
Kristy Christiansen,
Southern Living,
31 Dec. 2025
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Hilliker shouts as her family applauds them.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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New to Xcel is Celebrity’s first-ever Hydra Room, a warm, bubbling pool with massaging jets and heated lounge chairs, that compliments the Thermal Suite’s other therapeutic experiences, including steam and an ocean view sauna.—
Susan Barnes,
Southern Living,
10 Dec. 2025
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Tina sings lines about Cécred's Restoring Hair & Edge Drops and Nourishing Hair Oil, before hairstylist David Lopez compliments her vocals.—
Jack Irvin,
PEOPLE,
26 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Congratulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulates. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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