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
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
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
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
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
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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
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The crowd cheers back enthusiastically in response.—
Annie Harrigan,
Billboard,
31 Mar. 2026
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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
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Joseph Cleveland hugs a victim support specialist from the prosecutor's office after Savala's guilty plea.—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
7 May 2026
-
For a more modern fixture that hugs the wall tightly, go as large as 20 inches.—
Amy Panos,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 May 2026
Verb
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Gwen Stefani praises 'crazy exchange of love' Stefani, 56, was an age-defying whirlwind.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
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Bethea openly praises Kerr's politics and makes no effort to push back.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 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
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In the clip, the crowd applauds Phan's quick thinking for saving the shark's life.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Thyme naturally has a lemony undertone that compliments the fresh lemon in these shortbread cookies perfectly.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
22 Apr. 2026
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But putting all that effort toward something that’s not real weighs on him, and Isaac’s taut encapsulation of misery compliments a series that feeds on tension.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Congratulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulates. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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