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
This logic would not have barred any of the Jim Crow voting devices that the Roberts Court frequently congratulates itself and the nation for overcoming.
—
Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026
Trump congratulates the Swanson family.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 26 May 2026
Don congratulates the rest of the team and continues to work, while Kate, Bailey and Erin celebrate with drinks together.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Occasionally, bottles of water and loaves of bread are distributed, and Lydia congratulates herself for having the discipline to make her slice last.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 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
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
Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026
Trump congratulates the Swanson family.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 26 May 2026
Don congratulates the rest of the team and continues to work, while Kate, Bailey and Erin celebrate with drinks together.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Occasionally, bottles of water and loaves of bread are distributed, and Lydia congratulates herself for having the discipline to make her slice last.
—Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulates
Verb
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Rider commends his acting teacher, Tony Greco, and his coach, Latarsha Rose, for the character work.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Dec. 2025
-
Prince Andrew regrets his association with Epstein, and commends the bravery of Ms Giuffre and other survivors in standing up for themselves and others.—
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Not someone who cheers them on but someone who names what others won’t.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
Tim Wise cheers the ticking clock on white dominance.—
Ben Goggin,
NBC news,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
The pumps featured a sharp pointed-toe design, held in place with a slim slingback strap that hugs the ankle.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
2 Dec. 2025
-
Not to mention, the ponte fabric offers ample stretch that hugs your curves for a flattering yet comfortable look.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
30 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Clarisse Loughrey at The Independent praises Chalamet’s performance.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Dec. 2025
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Beyond the engineering, the couple consistently praises Grech’s craftsmanship and customer support.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
26 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But later that year, applauds turned into discontent voiced in several closed session meetings.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
27 May 2026
-
Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix doesn’t know which way to turn, Iwobi ends up with his hands on his head, Sander Berge simply stands and applauds.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
Verb
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It's played as a moment of jealousy when his father compliments Tony, but some fans aren't so quick to view it as unintentional.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
10 June 2026
-
Thyme naturally has a lemony undertone that compliments the fresh lemon in these shortbread cookies perfectly.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Congratulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulates. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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