gratify

verb

grat·i·fy | \ˈgra-tə-ˌfī

gratified; gratifying

Definition of gratify

transitive verb

1 archaic : remunerate, reward

2 : to be a source of or give pleasure or satisfaction to it gratified him to have his wife wear jewels— Willa Cather

3 : to give in to : indulge, satisfy gratify a whim

Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about gratify

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Synonyms & Antonyms for gratify

Synonyms

agree (with), content, delight, feast, gas [slang], glad [archaic], gladden, please, pleasure, rejoice, satisfy, suit, warm

Antonyms

displease

Examples of gratify in a Sentence

A guilty verdict would gratify the victim's relatives. He's only concerned with gratifying his own desires.

Recent Examples on the Web

After Asian roles in Hollywood have been whitewashed by Emma Stone and Scarlett Johansson, Crazy Rich Asians’ box office win is gratifying proof that diversity on the big screen does, indeed, sell. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Michelle Yeoh Hopes Crazy Rich Asians Will Turn the Trickle of Diversity in Hollywood "Into a Stream"," 27 Aug. 2018 Attorney General Josh Shapiro, whose office prosecuted Spanier, said his office was gratified by the decision. — NBC News, "Ex-Penn State president Spanier, convicted over Sandusky complaint, loses appeal," 26 June 2018 As Memorial Day nears, she is gratified that Jess Thomas and six other south Lake County veterans killed in action are being honored on 30- by 80-inch banners that have been hung along eastbound State Road 50 in Groveland, 30 miles west of Orlando. — Lisa Maria Garza, OrlandoSentinel.com, "South Lake County veterans 'who gave all' honored with Memorial Day banners," 24 May 2018 There are conflicting accounts as to what was said and done next, but there was little doubt that the brawny Murdoch had gratified the guard’s wish and left him with a black eye. — Huw Richards, New York Times, "Keith Murdoch, Rugby Bruiser Who Vanished in the Outback, Is Dead at 74," 10 Apr. 2018 Watching the second season of The Handmaid’s Tale over the last three months hasn’t been an experience anyone would describe as cathartic, or gratifying, or even intermittently escapist. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "A Maddening Season Finale for The Handmaid’s Tale," 11 July 2018 Arizona's Sean Miller describes the 'gratifying' experience seeing Deandre Ayton drafted No. — Alex Schiffer, kansascity, "Missouri State's Alize Johnson drafted in second round by Indiana Pacers," 21 June 2018 Even to compete there with those folks was gratifying. — Leeanne Griffin, courant.com, "Mystic Sift Bake Shop's Adam Young Wins Food Network's 'Best Baker In America'," 19 June 2018 Making rage eyes at the camera and stalking off into the night like a grim-faced Psycho-Pirate might gratify the yen the show has always had to present June as a superhero. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "A Maddening Season Finale for The Handmaid’s Tale," 11 July 2018

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