gratulatory

comparative more gratulatory · superlative most gratulatory

1. archaicExpressing or characterized by gratulation; congratulatory.

   Alexander offered no self-gratulatory speeches, no easy or familiar repertory, no repetitions from recent seasons.

   1987 November 5, Chris Pasles, “Classical Music Review: John Alexander, Pacific Chorale Open 20th Season at Arts Center”, in Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, Calif.: Los Angeles Times Communications, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 01 Jul 2026

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   The blissful day over, and the happy bride and bridegroom withdrawing from the banquet and the dance, the well-pleased chirping, able little tutor hopped before them, and led them to the hymeneal bower with floral flute, and gratulatory song!"

   1844, Various, Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXLV. July, 1844. Vol. LVI.

   The speeches, except that of Judge [Orange] Jacobs, which was really an able and eloquent presentation of the progress and claims of the reform, were simply gratulatory and glorificatory.

   1883 November 19, Olympian [pseudonym], “From the Capital. […]”, in Tacoma Daily Ledger, volume 1, number 196, Tacoma, Wash.: R[andolph] F[oster] Radebaugh, published 23 November 1883, →OCLC, page [2], column 3

   A roar of gratulatory triumph broke--a roar so loud and inspiring that for a moment the densely packed masses did not distinguish an ear-splitting outburst just in front of them.

   1898, Henry Francis Keenan, The Iron Game

   The air was full of laughter and greetings and kisses; light-hearted, offhand, gratulatory kisses which appeared to be the natural currency of felicitation.

   1921, Samuel Hopkins Adams, Success

   It is not a self-gratulatory piece that affords people the opportunity to bask in his reflected glory, it is much more, it is the opportunity to share in the life of a human being.

   2004 November 5, Evan Marmol, “‘Ray’ is inspiring jaunt into one man’s life”, in Daily Pilot, Los Angeles, Calif.: Los Angeles Times Communications, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 01 Jul 2026