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 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
Ahmed, 43, became the topic of several social media posts congratulating his bravery during the shooting, which left 15 people dead, including one gunman.
—Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 14 Dec. 2025
Weber is a strong voice for conservative politics in Wisconsin, with several Republican lawmakers, including gubernatorial candidates Josh Schoemann and Tom Tiffany, congratulating him on his career on X shortly after his announcement.
—Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 9 Dec. 2025
Shortly afterward, the 35-time Grammy winner brought her mom out on stage at a Cowboy Carter Tour show so that the crowd could join her in congratulating the author.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congratulating
Verb
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After Kaplan dropped to one knee and Scott said yes, both their families emerged from behind a small nearby building, cheering and celebrating the moment.—
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Dahlquist and his business partners marketed their version by splurging on 11th-row, 50-yard-line seats to a Bears-Packers game in 2013, cheering until the TV cameras noticed.—
Verb
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While presenting her with the RRHOF milestone, Roan gave a speech commending Lauper’s influence and advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.—
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Praise abounded for the 36-year-old, with three fellow veterans commending Rojas not just for his play, but also for his demeanor.—
Verb
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The custom column Ashi Studio dress, which took more than 300 hours to create, featured a hip-hugging silhouette and strappy neckline with eight different strands of crystals that draped over her shoulders.—
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In January 2025, Lane posted a photo on Instagram of himself hugging Layla and wishing her a happy birthday.—
Verb
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Hudson has heard from studio heads, producers and other past collaborators praising her work.—
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In a post on X, Huberman shared the White House’s graphic of the new pyramid, praising the decisions that were made.—
Verb
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Those who'd managed to get a taste were complimenting the dish all night.—
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Hayes suggests expressing appreciation, complimenting the host, and, if appropriate, lightly noting your next engagement.—
Verb
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Amazingly, Exposure contestants go through hours of practice and performance each day without ever seeming to tire, and along with the competitive spirit, there’s a real sense of community, with skaters constantly encouraging, applauding, and appreciating each other.—
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When the final number was finished, the three eldest boys came to the fore on the catwalk mini stage underneath a shower of confetti and took a bow, with Mom and Dad now in the background, applauding politely but proudly.—
Cite this Entry
“Congratulating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congratulating. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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