grateful

grate·ful | \ ˈgrāt-fəl

How to pronounce grateful (audio)

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Definition of grateful

1a : appreciative of benefits received

b : expressing gratitude grateful thanks

2a : affording pleasure or contentment : pleasing

b : pleasing by reason of comfort supplied or discomfort alleviated

Other Words from grateful Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about grateful

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Examples of grateful in a Sentence

The voice quacking at the other end of the line sounded surprised and grateful—a young man's eager voice, thankful for the sudden interruption on an otherwise empty afternoon. — Paul Theroux, Granta, Summer 1992 I didn't have to be in love with the man to do this, and my poor body'd probably be grateful to get fed, since it'd been on such a starvation diet. — Terry McMillan, Waiting to Exhale, 1992 Sergeant James Smith was a company clerk, which meant that he carried his commander's maps, Edwards was grateful to learn. — Tom Clancy, Red Storm Rising, 1986 I am grateful for the Latin I took and for the emphasis on English grammar, which seems to have faded from the curriculum. — John Updike, Hugging the Shore, (1983) 1984 The college sent us a grateful acknowledgment of our donation. I'm grateful to you for your help. He's grateful for the attention.

Recent Examples on the Web Just very grateful for the experience of playing this year for the team, this organization, and over the course of my career, too. — Mark Daniels, USA TODAY, "Tom Brady uncertain on future, but retirement 'pretty unlikely'," 6 Jan. 2020 The capitaine maintained that the locals were grateful for the team’s work, and no doubt many of them were. — Tommy Trenchard, Harper's magazine, "Oceans Apart," 6 Jan. 2020 Just seeing what these boys are going through and seeing them smile and be grateful and be thankful and wondering how everyone else is doing is amazing. — Evan Casey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Community rallies together after seven Wauwatosa West students were injured in a car crash," 2 Jan. 2020 But those who love the crooked timber of humanity should be grateful that Thetford went a different way. — The Economist, "The Cockneys of Thetford," 18 Dec. 2019 Postcards included in the packages provided grateful families with a way to express their thanks while gauging success of the delivery operation. — David Kindy, Smithsonian, "After 90 Years, the ‘Flying Santa’ Is Still Dropping Gifts From a Plane," 17 Dec. 2019 Another time a woman who lived with her two adult twin daughters burst into grateful tears. — Mary Schmich, chicagotribune.com, "Column: 38 years ago they held a small door-to-door caroling party. Now it’s an annual tradition.," 11 Dec. 2019 Feeling grateful to be a part of the @dairyblock community. — Sarah Kuta, The Know, "A guide to Denver-area holiday markets, many of which serve booze while you shop," 29 Nov. 2019 The former editor has covered stretch marks, bra bulge, and bloating, topics that have resonated with her followers, who leave positive and grateful comments on her page. — Christina Oehler, Health.com, "Influencer Poses in Underwear to Show Off Her Butt—and Prove Cellulite Is Normal and Beautiful," 3 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grateful.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Learn More about grateful

Dictionary Entries near grateful

grateful/thankful for small mercies

Statistics for grateful

Last Updated

9 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Grateful.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grateful. Accessed 26 January 2020.

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More Definitions for grateful

grateful

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of grateful

: feeling or showing thanks : feeling or showing thanks to someone for some helpful act

See the full definition for grateful in the English Language Learners Dictionary

grateful

grate·ful | \ ˈgrāt-fəl

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Kids Definition of grateful

1 : feeling or showing thanks I'm grateful for your help.

2 : providing pleasure or comfort … the blended scents of tea and coffee were so grateful to the nose …— Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

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to express in a more acceptable way

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