congratulate
verb (used with object)
to express pleasure to (a person), as on a happy occasion.
had congratulated
-
past perfectof congratulate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Orbán, in a speech at his campaign headquarters, said he had congratulated his opponent, Péter Magyar, on his victory.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 12, 2026
The comedian inadvertently revealed he had won after assuming a cameraman already knew, because he had congratulated him.
From BBC ● Jan. 30, 2026
He said on X he had congratulated Arevalo, and invited him to meet "the day after election results were finalized."
From Reuters ● Aug. 21, 2023
He refused to answer whether the incumbent had congratulated him for Sunday’s victory.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 3, 2022
While Dorian had congratulated her for saving Nox, and while the thief had hugged and thanked her again and again, only Chaol had frowned when the Test was over.
From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas
