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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That Bad Bunny gave this song to Martin feels especially moving after the latter wrote a letter this past week praising the former’s Grammys acceptance speech.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
9 Feb. 2026
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Your diplomatic touch can turn an argument into teamwork by praising an idea’s potential, then guiding it toward a less pricey lane.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In a video tribute before the game, which featured Ullmark’s comments expressing why athletes are reticent to speak on mental health, before complimenting Senators fans, those same fans delivered tributes and welcome-backs.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
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The proud father replied by complimenting the group before sharing the good news.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
17 Jan. 2026
Verb
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There are bodily fluids, jeering crowds, and demonic Punch and Judy puppets applauding through the chaos, giving the scene the air of a demented fairy tale.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
9 Feb. 2026
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Judge Miguel Espinoza both praised and criticized the county’s progress at the hearing, at times applauding the collaboration between stakeholders and at other times questioning whether the Board of Supervisors was allocating enough resources.—
Jason Henry,
Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Congratulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulating. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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