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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulates
Verb
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Will these two oddballs, thrust together by a dental emergency on a night that commends peace on Earth and goodwill toward men, maintain a friendship?—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
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Broncos head coach Sean Payton regularly commends Lazzaro’s work, both in terms of on-field data and research, and also in the scouting and draft realms.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Nothing good will ever happen to the Maple Leafs, or anyone who cheers for them.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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Waukesha County cheers key step in the process For Waukesha County, Boardman's statement satisfies officials' hope that state transportation leaders are at least acknowledging the importance of I-94 locally and are following the steps necessary to make a project happen at some point.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Edgy and ledgy, the narrow passage hugs the cliff face above the valley floor.—
Roger Naylor,
AZCentral.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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Audrey hugs her dad first before giving Barrymore a big hug and introducing herself to the crowd.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Mike Johnson praises Democrats who voted with GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the eight Democrat senators who broke with their party and voted with the GOP on legislation to end the shutdown.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
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Matthew Hunt gardens in the Talega enclave within the city of San Clemente, and praises his purple Polygala x dalmaisiana, commonly known as sweet pea shrub.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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He was not involved in the study, and applauds the creative insight of the researchers, but believes more evidence is needed.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
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The crowd applauds for 13 seconds both at the intense, almost Chris Farley–esque yell itself and the absurdity of Maron’s desire to be a manly coward.—
John Roy,
Vulture,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The savory crust perfect compliments the sweet inside so the treat has the perfect balance.—
Macie Stump,
Southern Living,
4 Nov. 2025
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On the drive to the fields, Jenn Pedranti compliments Shannon on the fulsome abundance of her bust today.—
Peter Larsen,
Oc Register,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Congratulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulates. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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