as in cheering
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 congratulating
During that time, policemen and policewomen, Black and white, approached Officer Daniel, hugging him, shaking his hand, patting him on the back, congratulating him — demonstrating an enormous outpouring of support and admiration.
—
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2026
Daniel Girdler got plenty of text messages this week congratulating him on his recent engagement.
—Jason Armesto, AJC.com, 10 Jan. 2026
In a video from a tournament last month posted to Hudl, Downes can be seen congratulating a member of the team by briefly tapping her backside after a match.
—Shelley Bortz, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Please join us in congratulating Erik on his new role!
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
The couple met via Instagram DM when Rivera sent Herrold a message congratulating her on the success of the show’s first season in 2020.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 5 Jan. 2026
Miss Appleberry holds a field day for JJ and his classmates, and the friends learn about being competitive while congratulating and helping each other when needed.
—Alex Vance, Parents, 2 Jan. 2026
Fans couldn't help but comment on the actress's toned figure, with many of them also congratulating her on her independence since ending her engagement earlier this year.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
According to a source, Bullock was gracious behind the scenes, congratulating the cast and crew following the performance.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2026
Daniel Girdler got plenty of text messages this week congratulating him on his recent engagement.
—Jason Armesto, AJC.com, 10 Jan. 2026
In a video from a tournament last month posted to Hudl, Downes can be seen congratulating a member of the team by briefly tapping her backside after a match.
—Shelley Bortz, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Please join us in congratulating Erik on his new role!
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
The couple met via Instagram DM when Rivera sent Herrold a message congratulating her on the success of the show’s first season in 2020.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 5 Jan. 2026
Miss Appleberry holds a field day for JJ and his classmates, and the friends learn about being competitive while congratulating and helping each other when needed.
—Alex Vance, Parents, 2 Jan. 2026
Fans couldn't help but comment on the actress's toned figure, with many of them also congratulating her on her independence since ending her engagement earlier this year.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025
According to a source, Bullock was gracious behind the scenes, congratulating the cast and crew following the performance.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulating
Verb
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That doesn’t stop them from cheering each other on or providing advice for one another.—
Greg Dudek,
Boston Herald,
7 Feb. 2026
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Everybody is rooting for you guys and everybody's cheering for you.—
MICHELLE L. PRICE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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On Sunday night and into Monday, BAM’s X feed spilled over with reposts commending the account for its largely correct forecasts.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
28 Jan. 2026
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Comments on both videos range from commending this brilliant idea to admitting to leaving the anchor in and patching over it.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The new Fast & Furious coaster that has been revving its engines during test runs around the hillside-hugging track will soon get the green flag to officially start racing with thrill seekers on board at Universal Studios Hollywood.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
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Available in 19 versatile washes, these hip-hugging jeans gradually flare out to a bootcut leg.—
Cheryl Wagemann,
InStyle,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The programs are some of the biggest things he’s done for the county, Karner said, praising their impact.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
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Transportation and accelerated bridge construction Transportation featured prominently, with Healey again praising MBTA General Manager Phil Eng to the most rancorous applause of the night.—
Sam Drysdale,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The proud father replied by complimenting the group before sharing the good news.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
17 Jan. 2026
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The rooms Rooms in the main house nod to the building’s noble bones, complimenting its sweeping ceilings with airy whites and modern lacquers.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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However, some pastors, including Louisiana minister Rodney Kennedy, are applauding the protesters' ambush.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
20 Jan. 2026
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However, the home fans were applauding Vinícius after his solo goal that made it 5-0 in the 63rd minute.—
Steve Douglas,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Congratulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulating. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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