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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of congratulating
Along with Thursday's rally, the Bay Area is also celebrating Liu's Olympic success with a billboard congratulating her, according to San Francisco ABC station KGO-TV.
—
Katie Kindelan, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
Sun brought with her a reply letter from Xi Jinping congratulating the Greek scholars on the center’s opening.
—Chang Che, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026
The interview wasn’t terribly insightful — the host seemed more interested in congratulating Panahi for being a hero than in exploring the context for that heroism.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026
Please join me in congratulating Jenisha and welcoming Sarah to The Atlantic.
—The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
Miller issued a statement Wednesday congratulating Sheets.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
Cumming concluded his post by congratulating all the BAFTA award winners.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 3 Mar. 2026
Trump made the comment during a locker-room call congratulating the men’s team on their 2-1 overtime victory over Canada.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
After taking his skis off, Klæbo sat hunched over, staring into the snow, before standing up and congratulating his teammates and the rest of the finishers.
—Nathaniel Herz, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026
Katie Kindelan, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
Sun brought with her a reply letter from Xi Jinping congratulating the Greek scholars on the center’s opening.
—Chang Che, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026
The interview wasn’t terribly insightful — the host seemed more interested in congratulating Panahi for being a hero than in exploring the context for that heroism.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026
Please join me in congratulating Jenisha and welcoming Sarah to The Atlantic.
—The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
Miller issued a statement Wednesday congratulating Sheets.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
Cumming concluded his post by congratulating all the BAFTA award winners.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 3 Mar. 2026
Trump made the comment during a locker-room call congratulating the men’s team on their 2-1 overtime victory over Canada.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
After taking his skis off, Klæbo sat hunched over, staring into the snow, before standing up and congratulating his teammates and the rest of the finishers.
—Nathaniel Herz, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulating
Verb
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Robbe, who went by Makenzy Doniak while with the Wave, ran toward the northeast side of Snapdragon Stadium, pointed into the stands and threw up a heart as three people stood up cheering for her.—
Fernando Ramirez,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
-
With many fans cheering him on, one interfered and led him off course.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Braun also issued a proclamation commending TPUSA's dedication to free speech and calling all schools to facilitate chapters.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The family of Virginia Giuffre issued a statement commending authorities for arresting the former prince.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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When the Rockets called a time out, the Lakers bench all ran over to Doncic, hugging him, slapping him and James nudging him for a job very well done.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2026
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The mother of four stunned, wearing a long-sleeved, figure-hugging metallic dress to walk the red carpet at the Oscars after-party.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With more than 7,900 five-star ratings praising its high quality and elegant look, the quilt adds a nice decorative touch to rooms.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Mar. 2026
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Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden joined thousands in praising Jackson as an ambassador of hope, and a champion for the poor and the dispossessed.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After a few photos are snapped, Muse can be seen complimenting Taylor on her scent.—
Rebecca Norris,
InStyle,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Inside the Accent Duel The clip opens with SNL castmembers Marcello Hernandez and Ashley Padilla complimenting Storrie on Heated Rivalry, the series that has become a streaming phenomenon.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Players, coaches, cheerleaders and fans rose as one, applauding and cheering the confirmation of their spot in this most American spectacle.—
Ken Sugiura,
AJC.com,
16 Mar. 2026
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Additional clips and photos show the actress enjoying the wedding from the back row and applauding as the couple gets hitched.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Congratulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulating. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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