gratifying 1 of 2

adjective

ˈgra-tə-ˌfī-iŋ How to pronounce gratifying (audio)
Definition of gratifyingnext
1
as in enjoyable
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses a spectacular film that is gratifying to both the mind and the eyes

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2
as in comforting
making one feel good inside your warm welcome sure is gratifying to this tired soul

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gratifying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of gratify
1
as in pleasing
to give in to (a desire) just gratify this one whim of mine

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2
as in satisfying
to give satisfaction to your presence at the holiday table would really gratify your grandmother

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gratifying
Adjective
Paul Greengrass But particularly shooting out in the wilderness, shooting out in nature, felt really, really gratifying. — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026 Trusting my intuition has proved both helpful and really gratifying. — Sarah Stillman, The New York Review of Books, 28 July 2026
Verb
In gratifying the left, the Warren Court debilitated the long tradition of opposing judicial supremacy. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 What’s most exciting or gratifying for you about this project, and having these programs include ASL now? — Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gratifying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratifying
  1. enjoyable
  2. comforting
  3. pleasing
  4. satisfying
  5. pleasant
  6. encouraging
  7. indulging
  8. delighting
Adjective
  • In This Article There are occasions that call for heirloom china and sparkling crystal, but a truly gracious host knows that the most enjoyable gatherings aren’t necessarily the ones with the finest things, but rather, a relaxed environment.
    — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Season four is the most enjoyable The Gilded Age has ever been, but wringing every ounce of pleasure out of the experience requires a willingness to approach this show with the right mind-set.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of enjoyable
Adjective
  • The songs, decorations and rituals that once felt comforting can quietly tie themselves to painful experiences in your brain, which is why familiar cues sometimes trigger sadness instead of joy.
    — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Maque Choux Easily made with fresh or frozen sweet corn, this creamy Creole dish is a fast, comforting weeknight dinner.
    — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of comforting
Verb
  • This simple, crowd-pleasing soup came from Gail Gladding-Pullara of Oregon, Wisconsin.
    — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 27 Oct. 2026
  • But all that warm, crowd-pleasing material is incongruously, fascinatingly, and not so comfortably fitted inside a story about great loss.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of pleasing
Verb
  • One major addition will come through a live podcasting space on the exhibition floor, satisfying a request that creators had made for years.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • His questions about Ultron’s Sokovia massacre seem like an excellent chance to fill in Age of Ultron’s plot holes, but Ultron’s answers are snarky, not satisfying.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of satisfying
Adjective
  • Afternoons should be mild and mostly sunny, with lower humidity making outdoor plans more pleasant.
    — Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 2 Nov. 2026
  • As Los Angeles became more crowded and less pleasant a place to live, the high-handedness of Southern California developers and officialdom occasionally got those hands slapped.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of pleasant
Adjective
  • August 23 – September 22 Something about your direction could feel more encouraging today.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Virgo August 23 – September 22 Something about your direction could feel more encouraging today.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of encouraging
Verb
  • Shaw’s witty drawing-room debates also warn of a society indulging its whims as catastrophe approaches — a question of how to live when the world careens toward darkness.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Adults aren’t always used to indulging this kind of curiosity.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of indulging
Verb
  • Irish comedian Joanne McNally was first on stage, delighting the packed house with the woes of being single and 40.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Instead of delighting fans by paying loving homage to the movies or winning over newcomers with an exciting fresh take on the material, the show fails on both fronts, swinging wildly from one misbegotten idea to the next.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of delighting

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Cite this Entry

“Gratifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratifying. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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