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
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 congratulating
All participating children receive certificates, congratulating them on participation or meeting those goals.
—
Chelsea Cirruzzo,
STAT,
2 July 2026
On Saturday, Jeffries took a step in that direction by congratulating New York City's Democratic nominees, including Valdez and Chevalier.
—
ABC News,
28 June 2026
Her dumbas-- was on Twitter last night congratulating fans for different things.
—
Ryan Canfield Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2026
Before executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham could end his draft-night phone call congratulating Swain, the rookie couldn’t keep himself from taking a dig at his new boss’s alma mater.
—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
The video has racked up over 115,000 likes and thousands of comments, with many congratulating the mom-to-be.
—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
15 June 2026
I'mPhaedra Trethan, digging out my old Rod Brind'Amour Flyers jersey and congratulating the coach on his team's Stanley Cup Finals win.
—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
Just 14 pitches later, Stephenson was shaking Santillan’s hand, congratulating him on his third save of the season and first since May 19.
—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
14 June 2026
Trump opened the event by welcoming the participants and their families to the White House and congratulating them on their success.
—
Sydney Topf,
The Washington Examiner,
9 June 2026
Chelsea Cirruzzo,
STAT,
2 July 2026
On Saturday, Jeffries took a step in that direction by congratulating New York City's Democratic nominees, including Valdez and Chevalier.
—
ABC News,
28 June 2026
Her dumbas-- was on Twitter last night congratulating fans for different things.
—
Ryan Canfield Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2026
Before executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham could end his draft-night phone call congratulating Swain, the rookie couldn’t keep himself from taking a dig at his new boss’s alma mater.
—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
The video has racked up over 115,000 likes and thousands of comments, with many congratulating the mom-to-be.
—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
15 June 2026
I'mPhaedra Trethan, digging out my old Rod Brind'Amour Flyers jersey and congratulating the coach on his team's Stanley Cup Finals win.
—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
Just 14 pitches later, Stephenson was shaking Santillan’s hand, congratulating him on his third save of the season and first since May 19.
—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
14 June 2026
Trump opened the event by welcoming the participants and their families to the White House and congratulating them on their success.
—
Sydney Topf,
The Washington Examiner,
9 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulating
Verb
-
The yellow wasn’t just worn by fans cheering Colombia, as Ghana supporters also have that color.
-
Most of all of them want to feel welcome and comfortable at Nats Park, and feel comfortable cheering for the team and its rising young star pitcher.
Verb
-
Western, for his part, had by this time recovered something of his usual bluster, and began again upon the subject of Blifil, commending his estate and his family with great earnestness, as though these considerations alone ought to have settled the matter long since.
-
Kennedy then mentioned her daughter and became emotional while commending her work.
Verb
-
Gomez's outfit, styled by Erin Walsh, featured a figure-hugging silhouette with a scoop neckline and a fringe hem.
-
Videos from these gatherings showing chanting crowds beneath concert lights, audience members crying, hugging strangers and dancing barefoot have racked up millions of views online.
Verb
-
Longtime friends Robert De Niro and Streep shared a friendly smooch during the National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala in 2018, following the actor's speech praising the star.
-
Bruckheimer kicked off the conversation by praising Cue and the Apple team.
Verb
-
Aabria, by contrast, leans on personality and connection, clasping hands with the jurors and complimenting them before calmly lying about the rules of the bra contest and her victory.
-
Maybe someone is complimenting (or flirting with you) publicly, but controlling you behind the scenes.
Verb
-
The Ross Township Police Department shared the video on Facebook on Monday, applauding Sergeant Chuberko and Officer Roy for rescuing the deer.
-
The bottom line is that none of this is worth applauding.
Cite this Entry
“Congratulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulating. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
