as in to commend
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 congratulate
The festivities include a Buckingham Palace reception where Charles will congratulate centenarians who share the late monarch's birthday, and the dedication of a memorial garden at Regent's Park in central London.
—
ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Donovan’s graceful step aside reminded me of how Boylen made the team’s media relations staff send out a press release congratulating the Reinsdorfs on the hire of Karnišovas.
—Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Monday congratulated Radev on his election victory.
—Veselin Toshkov, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
The foursome and their furry friend went out to greet the citizens who had gathered in front of the palace to congratulate Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and to enjoy the concert performed in her honor by the band of the Royal Guard during the relay.
—Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for congratulate
ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Donovan’s graceful step aside reminded me of how Boylen made the team’s media relations staff send out a press release congratulating the Reinsdorfs on the hire of Karnišovas.
—Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Monday congratulated Radev on his election victory.
—Veselin Toshkov, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
The foursome and their furry friend went out to greet the citizens who had gathered in front of the palace to congratulate Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and to enjoy the concert performed in her honor by the band of the Royal Guard during the relay.
—Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for congratulate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulate
Verb
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The city did not take the court up on that suggestion and should be commended for adhering to its transparency policies in a case that reflects so poorly on the Chicago Police Department.—
Jamie Kalven,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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While the president commended Secret Service actions, the event still raised questions about presidential protection and security around major events like America 250.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The crowd in the Virginia town cheered one last time as King Charles and Queen Camilla loaded into their vehicles.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
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New Balance, for instance, opened its Run House at Somerset House, a prime position to cheer runners on from the sidelines, says VP of running Kevin Fitzpatrick.—
Madeleine Schulz,
Vogue,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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They were seen hugging at the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico in October 2023, strolling ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas in November 2024 and holding hands at the Grand Prix of Miami in 2025.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
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Russini resigned from The Athletic earlier this month amid mounting criticism over her relationship with Vrabel, the New England Patriots’ head coach, after being photographed hugging and holding hands at a private resort in Sedona, Arizona.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The president reacted to the news this week by simultaneously complimenting and insulting the outgoing executive.—
Grace Miserocchi,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
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Pitching coach Gus Rico was having dinner on Thursday when head coach Matt Mowry of Birmingham High complimented him on closer Aidan Martinez recording all seven of his outs on strikeouts.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Beal praised the work ethic of both Nixon and Montgomery.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
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The actor also praised William Shatner for having previously taken to social media to share his blessing for Wesley portraying the same character that Shatner originated in the initial series.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Congratulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulate. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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