gratify

verb

ˈgra-tə-ˌfī How to pronounce gratify (audio)
Definition of gratifynext
1
as in to indulge
to give in to (a desire) just gratify this one whim of mine

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to satisfy
to give satisfaction to your presence at the holiday table would really gratify your grandmother

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 gratify And when the jury verdict came, he was relieved and gratified. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026 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 Both were very emotional and gratified when they were told that wreck had finally been found, Gates told CNN’s Boris Sanchez. — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gratify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratify
  1. indulge
  2. satisfy
  3. please
  4. delight
  5. humor
  6. warm
  7. spoil
Verb
  • There was no mention of a funeral in Adrien’s letter, and for a moment, Adelaide indulged the thought of ordering a carriage for Moscow.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Accessories-wise, indulge your inner maximalist with some color-contrasting jewelry (or go simple with sleek silver).
    — Corinne Pierre-Louis, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of indulge
Verb
  • Here are 16 satisfying activities and rituals to add to your fall bucket list.
    — Clare Marie Schneider, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Unlike quiches, frittatas are crustless, but this version doesn’t skimp on satisfying carbs, thanks to coils of spaghetti that become crisp and caramelized on the edges and soft and fluffy in the eggy center.
    — Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of satisfy
Verb
  • Why are all these female characters just there to please the man?
    — Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • And sore must be the storm indeed that can abash the foliage fiesta that pleases so many eyes.
    — Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of please
Verb
  • The Nespresso devotee in your life will delight at the chance to try a different classic or limited-edition coffee capsule every day in the lead-up to Christmas.
    — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Tse Yang was the finest Chinese restaurant to open in Madrid, and its crispy Peking Duck has been delighting locals for years.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of delight
Verb
  • Difficult material, yes—but somehow Sandler injects snap and humor into these pages, whether they’re set at the welfare office or on the road in the Dominican Republic, making this a true pleasure to read.
    — Nicholas Boggs, The Atlantic, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Just as the story mines humor from the collision of old-fashioned ways with a modern frankness, Paul’s score combines the appeal of jaunty golden-age sounds with a freshness that feels present day.
    — Naveen Kumar, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
Definition of humor
Verb
  • And warming temperatures are hindering their ability to perform essential functions.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Scientists point to warming waters and changing ocean conditions, not trawl bycatch, as the primary causes of the declines.
    — Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of warm
Verb
  • This story spoils the plot of the film Whalefall, now out in theaters, based on Daniel Kraus‘ novel.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The Dodgers left-hander had just given up the lead on Bauers’ two-run homer, spoiling what had been a stellar start Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of spoil

Browse Nearby Words

gratifies
gratify
gratifying
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Cite this Entry

“Gratify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratify. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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