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
Please join me in congratulating Allie on her new endeavor.
—
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
Season 6 Love Island USA star Serena Page, Chloe Bailey and JT were among those congratulating her on social media.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026
In District 17, Eleanor Sweet McDonnell sent a statement conceding the race to Joe Salvi, congratulating the young Republican who, according to unofficial results received, just under 1,600 votes.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Acquaintances then sent him emails, congratulating him for being named Yogi of the Month.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 25 Mar. 2026
That 8-2 aggregate defeat by Paris Saint-Germain should be a wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee moment for those owners and executives who have spent the past few years congratulating themselves on a recruitment strategy that increasingly has the look of a social experiment.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
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
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2026
Season 6 Love Island USA star Serena Page, Chloe Bailey and JT were among those congratulating her on social media.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026
In District 17, Eleanor Sweet McDonnell sent a statement conceding the race to Joe Salvi, congratulating the young Republican who, according to unofficial results received, just under 1,600 votes.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Acquaintances then sent him emails, congratulating him for being named Yogi of the Month.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 25 Mar. 2026
That 8-2 aggregate defeat by Paris Saint-Germain should be a wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee moment for those owners and executives who have spent the past few years congratulating themselves on a recruitment strategy that increasingly has the look of a social experiment.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulating
Verb
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During an open practice Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium, thousands of Illini fans showed up in orange to watch, while large groups of kids on field trips sat in the end zone, cheering.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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However, no one will be cheering louder than the athletes' parents.—
Jack Springgate,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After the hearing, Gorman’s family released a statement commending the judge for detaining Medina.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Bhattacharya has visited the Atlanta campus, sent emails commending the CDC staff and thanking them for their work, and extended telework accommodations in his first weeks on the job.—
Pien Huang,
NPR,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Bay Harbor consists of two islands hugging the Broad Causeway, which stretches just west of Bal Harbour to North Miami.—
Catherine Odom,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
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In the photo, Martin can be seen hugging her cast members on stage while holding a bouquet of flowers and a handful of wigs.—
Emma Banks,
InStyle,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Instead, some progressive allies rushed to denounce Israel’s military response while either praising or refusing to condemn Hamas.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Hearts have melted online after a scared rescue dog bravely faced her fear in order to join her owner, with many viewers praising her unquestionable courage and determination.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 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
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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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The nonprofit issued a statement on Wednesday applauding Huerta’s decision to share her story.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Congratulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulating. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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