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
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
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
In a TikTok video posted by the Chiefs Thursday night, Kelce congratulates Wagner backstage.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
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
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
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
-
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
-
Michael Pollan 60 Minutes Pollan commends Kennedy for shining a light on ultraprocessed foods.—
Sarah Koch,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As a mother, Renee poured herself into love, the kind of love that shows up every day, that sacrifices quietly, that cheers loudly, that believes deeply.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The lesson from that high school bench was not just about discipline and discernment, but also about choosing the long game, even when the crowd cheers for immediate rewards.—
Jasmine Browley,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Mikaela Shiffrin hugs her father Jeff after a long day, at Piney Lake on July 15, 2013.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The soft suede upper comfortably hugs your feet so that each step offers flexible movement, while the rubber sole ensures a non-slip grip.—
Alyssa Morin,
InStyle,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Pidgeon praises Watts’ presence both on and off set.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Feb. 2026
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In another, the president praises the mother of his son Barron as one of the best moms he’s ever seen.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry applauds as silver medallist Heidi Weng of Norway, gold medallist Ebba Andersson of Sweden and bronze medallist Nadja Kaelin of Switzerland celebrate on the podium for the women's cross country 50km mass start final.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
In that case, the enthusiasm with which one applauds may be emphatically lessened.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In his own confessional interview, Jordan compliments Kirk’s appearance.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
4 Feb. 2026
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Lead Bartender Breann Anzar has created an impressive cocktail program that compliments Chef Lindsey’s exquisite menu.—
David Duran,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Congratulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulates. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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