congratulatory

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

adjective

1. expressing or conveying congratulations.

   a congratulatory telegram.

Other Word Forms

• noncongratulatory adjective
• quasi-congratulatory adjective
• uncongratulatory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of congratulatory¹

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

Example Sentences

Jones left a congratulatory message tinged with sorrow.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

His personal reviews were appropriately and overwhelmingly congratulatory.

Read more on Salon

The figures were released ahead of Japan's Elderly Day on 15 September, a national holiday where new centenarians receive a congratulatory letter and silver cup from the prime minister.

Read more on BBC

Ms Cook received a congratulatory card from King Charles III which she said was a proud moment for her.

Read more on BBC

The company has deployed mobile billboards to locations near other chains that made the USA Today rankings, including Chipotle, Five Guys, Shake Shack and Panera Bread, offering congratulatory messages on their lower rankings.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• celebratory 
• complimentary