CONGRATULATES Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

congratulates

verb

present tense third-person singular of congratulate

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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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 congratulates As Ospreay walks away, Kenny Omega congratulates him on his performance at Forbidden Door. — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulates

Verb

The report commends changes including protecting wetlands, improving stormwater and wastewater infrastructure, and expanding water quality monitoring, including notification programs that warn people about unsafe conditions in rivers and streams.

— Joe Brandt, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Maynard also commends the company for its presentation of the result, in light of AI’s tendency to copy humans’ mathematical results and present them as its own ideas.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of commends

Verb

Share a draft with a friend who cheers you on, and notice how confidence grows.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 16 Sep. 2026
Former University of Florida Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Tim Tebow cheers with fans during the Florida Legends Experience at the Alachua County Sports & Events Center in Gainesville on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of cheers

Verb

Quince’s Bella Stretch pants feature a classic ankle length, a soft cotton-denim blend that hugs the body, and a flattering high-rise waist.

— Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026
The track itself hugs the hillside between the park’s upper and lower lots and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley.

— Eve Chen, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of hugs

Verb

While Tarlov was grateful for his advice, her book praises current Fox News Chief Executive Suzanne Scott for creating a workplace culture that is much more hospitable to women.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
For all his obvious qualities in attack, Ruiz also praises Kvaratskhelia’s defensive work.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of praises

Verb

Donaldson lives above the smoke shop and applauds the efforts to close the store.

— Raymond Strickland, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026
Earlier this week, former GOP Senator Jeff Flake, of Arizona, endorsed Ossoff saying despite their policy differences, Flake applauds Ossoff's character and his commitment to doing the job.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of applauds

Verb

Each brings something different to the table and compliments the other by filling in for the other's weaknesses.

— Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
The investigation also compliments previous claims that CCC’s regulations impede coastal infrastructure projects, which has drawn criticism from multiple political fronts over the last year.

— Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026

Definition of compliments

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congratulated

congratulates

congratulating

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“Congratulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulates. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of congratulates

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