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
Lala brings Janet over, Janet congratulates Nia on the baby, and tells her that if there’s anything she’d like to say or get off her chest, Janet will listen.
—
Brian Moylan, Vulture, 9 Apr. 2026
Tiafoe has been one of Baptiste’s biggest fans and congratulates her often on social media.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026
But then the public address announcer congratulates Charlisse Leger-Walker for her four All-Pac-12 honors and her conference title with Washington State (which came at UCLA’s expense), and the whole ceremony starts to make less sense.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
The rep excuses herself; in the hallway, Stephen congratulates Lucy.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 17 Feb. 2026
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
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
In a TikTok video posted by the Chiefs Thursday night, Kelce congratulates Wagner backstage.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Brian Moylan, Vulture, 9 Apr. 2026
Tiafoe has been one of Baptiste’s biggest fans and congratulates her often on social media.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026
But then the public address announcer congratulates Charlisse Leger-Walker for her four All-Pac-12 honors and her conference title with Washington State (which came at UCLA’s expense), and the whole ceremony starts to make less sense.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
The rep excuses herself; in the hallway, Stephen congratulates Lucy.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 17 Feb. 2026
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
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
In a TikTok video posted by the Chiefs Thursday night, Kelce congratulates Wagner backstage.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulates
Verb
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The report commends the steps that Mayor Mike Johnston and the city have taken to reduce homelessness and bolster tourism downtown.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Prince Andrew regrets his association with Epstein, and commends the bravery of Ms Giuffre and other survivors in standing up for themselves and others.—
Erin Vanderhoof,
Vanity Fair,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The crowd cheers back enthusiastically in response.—
Annie Harrigan,
Billboard,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The oldest students get the chance to search for the afikomen, while the rest of the crowd cheers them on.—
Jessica Tzikas,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The design hugs the foot without feeling restrictive, while still providing enough stability for all-day wear.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The Lake County portion hugs the shoreline south to Lake Cook Road and continues west to the eastern part of Buffalo Grove.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Though Campbell keeps a low profile and doesn't post publicly on social media, the pro golfer praises his longtime love on Instagram whenever given the opportunity.—
Emily Krauser,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
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Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner Allure praises this shampoo and conditioner set from Bumble and Bumble that promises to produce thickness.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And our lactation consultant judge applauds these bottles as an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable storage bags.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
7 Apr. 2026
-
In the clip, the crowd applauds Phan's quick thinking for saving the shark's life.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Awkwardly, the first joke Val compliments them on turns out to have been written by Al, short for Al Assist.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
-
After the reception, fueled by joints and beers and many glasses of Irish whisky, the two strangers stay up late into the night trading stories about their lives, advice about each other’s work, compliments about each other’s talent.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Congratulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulates. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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