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
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Recent Examples of congratulates
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
At the tip meeting, Sandy congratulates the interior team and, in so many gentle words, tells the deck team to do better.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 Oct. 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
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
At the tip meeting, Sandy congratulates the interior team and, in so many gentle words, tells the deck team to do better.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 Oct. 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
-
Ten years later, while their daughter cheers from a distance at Oregon State, the couple remain loyal to the Bruins and are a staple of Section 103 at Pauley Pavilion as season-ticket holders.—
Tribune News Service,
Hartford Courant,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Ten years later, while their daughter cheers from a distance at Oregon State, the couple remain loyal to the Bruins and are a staple of Section 103 at Pauley Pavilion as season-ticket holders.—
Anthony Solorzano,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Lake County portion hugs the shoreline south to Lake Cook Road and continues west to the eastern part of Buffalo Grove.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
-
President Barack Obama hugs Shigeaki Mori at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial park cenotaph in Hiroshima on May 27, 2016.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner Allure praises this shampoo and conditioner set from Bumble and Bumble that promises to produce thickness.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Allure praises this shampoo and conditioner set from Bumble and Bumble.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The current governor, Republican Phil Scott, applauds Roy’s interest in politics and public service but questions whether someone so young is ready for the responsibilities that come with running a state.—
Amanda Swinhart,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Industry applauds the moves as long overdue.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Awkwardly, the first joke Val compliments them on turns out to have been written by Al, short for Al Assist.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
30 Mar. 2026
-
After the reception, fueled by joints and beers and many glasses of Irish whisky, the two strangers stay up late into the night trading stories about their lives, advice about each other’s work, compliments about each other’s talent.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Congratulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulates. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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