congratulatory

[ kuhn-grach-uh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-eeor, often, -graj-, kuhng- ]

adjective

1. expressing or conveying congratulations:

   a congratulatory telegram.

Other Words From

• noncon·gratu·la·tory adjective
• quasi-con·gratu·la·tory adjective
• uncon·gratu·la·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of congratulatory¹

1515–25; < Medieval Latin congrātulātōrius, equivalent to Latin congrātulā ( rī ) ( congratulate ) + -tōrious -tory ¹

Example Sentences

That has led to speculation that Netanyahu will announce cease-fire agreements as Trump takes office, a kind of congratulatory reward.

From Los Angeles Times

The mainly gushing congratulatory messages from Europe’s leaders on social media made that abundantly clear.

From BBC

At the end of the Olympics, the prince and princess sent a congratulatory video message to athletes.

From BBC

A photo of the twins - a male and a female - has received over a thousand congratulatory comments on Facebook.

From BBC

The Prince and Princess of Wales sent a congratulatory video message at the end of the Olympics - but that wasn't all that people noticed.

From BBC

Related Words

• celebratory
• complimentary