Congratulations — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun plural noun /kən-ˌgra-chə-ˈlā-shən/ (noun) /ˌself-kən-ˌgra-chə-ˈlā-shən/ (noun) con·grat·u·la·tion

Meaning & Definition of Congratulations

Congratulations (noun)

  1. a congratulatory expression —usually used in plural
  2. the act of congratulating
  3. congratulation of oneself; especially, a complacent acknowledgment of one's own superiority or good fortune

Congratulations (plural noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. best wishes

    "a gift for you with our congratulations"

    similar: commendations (archaic), compliment, felicitations, greetings, regards, respects
    related: approval, benediction, blessing, endorsement, acknowledgment, citation, commendation, adulation, flattery, praise, well-wishing
    near: dig, gibe, insult, put-down, taunt

Related Entry: Self-congratulation (noun)

Self-congratulation is a different word from Congratulations. The synonyms below are for self-congratulation, not for congratulations.

  1. an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements

    "the air of self-congratulation that pervades the songwriter's memoirs"

    similar: amour propre, bighead, complacence, complacency, conceit, conceitedness, ego, egotism, pomposity, pompousness, pride, pridefulness, self-admiration, self-assumption, self-conceit, self-esteem, self-glory, self-importance, self-love, self-opinion, self-satisfaction, smugness, swelled head, swellheadedness, vaingloriousness, vainglory, vainness, vanity
    related: assurance, confidence, self-assurance, self-confidence, self-righteousness, arrogance, disdainfulness, haughtiness, imperiousness, lordliness, self-assertion, snobbishness, superciliousness, superiority, hubris, overconfidence, presumption, pretense, pretension, pretentiousness, egoism, self-centeredness, selfishness, self-pride, self-respect
    opposite: humbleness, humility, modesty
    near: diffidence, self-doubt, self-disgust, self-hate, self-loathing, altruism, unselfishness, bashfulness, demureness, shyness, timidity, timidness, passiveness, passivity

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Congratulations

The most common words with a similar meaning to Congratulations:

Archaic: commendations
compliment, felicitations, greetings, regards, respects

Related Words for Congratulations

approval, benediction, blessing, endorsement, acknowledgment, citation, commendation, adulation, flattery, praise, well-wishing

Near Antonyms of Congratulations

dig, gibe, insult, put-down, taunt

Origin & Etymology of Congratulations

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Congratulations

What does "Congratulations" mean?

"Congratulations" means a congratulatory expression —usually used in plural. As an a noun and a plural noun, it is defined as: a congratulatory expression —usually used in plural.

What is another word for "Congratulations"?

Other words for "Congratulations" include commendations, compliment, felicitations, greetings, regards and respects. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Congratulations" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Congratulations"?

There are 17 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Congratulations". Common alternatives include commendations, compliment, felicitations, greetings, regards and respects.

How do you use "Congratulations" in a sentence?

Examples of "Congratulations" in a sentence: "a gift for you with our congratulations".

Is "Congratulations" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Congratulations" can be used as a noun and a plural noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Congratulations"?

"Congratulations" is pronounced /kən-ˌgra-chə-ˈlā-shən/ as a noun and /ˌself-kən-ˌgra-chə-ˈlā-shən/ as a noun and divided into syllables as con·grat·u·la·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Congratulations"?

First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Congratulations" meaning "best wishes"?

When "Congratulations" (plural noun) means best wishes, synonyms include commendations, compliment, felicitations, greetings, regards and respects.