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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
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
-
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
-
The crowd cheers back enthusiastically in response.—
Annie Harrigan,
Billboard,
31 Mar. 2026
-
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
-
Not only does the material ensure comfort and support, but the unique design, with thick straps that curve to the exact shape of my arches and a cupped heel, creates a glove-like fit that hugs my feet.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Slim planter beds along fences operate on the same principle, replacing bulky garden beds with streamlined growing space that hugs the perimeter and keeps the center of the garden open and breathable.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In Margo's Got Money Troubles, Elle Fanning plays a promising first-year student at a California community college whose professor praises her work, has an affair with her, gets her pregnant, then ghosts her.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Parent praises bus driver Parents said that in the moments before the crash, the bus driver slowed down and began to pull over.—
Matt Schooley,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And our lactation consultant judge applauds these bottles as an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable storage bags.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
7 Apr. 2026
-
In the clip, the crowd applauds Phan's quick thinking for saving the shark's life.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Thyme naturally has a lemony undertone that compliments the fresh lemon in these shortbread cookies perfectly.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
22 Apr. 2026
-
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 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
