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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in comforting
making one feel good inside
your warm welcome sure is gratifying to this tired soul
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in pleasing
to give in to (a desire)
just gratify this one whim of mine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in satisfying
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 gratifying
Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
An even more gratifying feeling came from the knowledge that these could soon be dinner.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
The show can be funny, the camaraderie among the characters is gratifying, and the doctors are extraordinarily good-looking in the way only TV doctors can be.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratifying
Adjective
Preparing the dinner is intensive but gratifying.
—Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
An even more gratifying feeling came from the knowledge that these could soon be dinner.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
And that is gratifying after two episodes of somewhat dull table-setting.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
The show can be funny, the camaraderie among the characters is gratifying, and the doctors are extraordinarily good-looking in the way only TV doctors can be.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratifying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratifying
Adjective
-
Hosting a dinner party is infinitely more enjoyable with a partner in crime to help curate the playlist and the guest list, keep the conversation and the drinks flowing, and take a load off the planning.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The film adds a slew of new voice actors to the mix, like Brie Larson as Rosalina (sounding, perhaps, a little too much like Taylor-Joy’s Peach) and Donald Glover as Yoshi, a chaotic and enjoyable addition to the gang.—
Lindsey Bahr,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Both Tehran and Washington are pushing their own comforting versions of reality.—
Newsweek Editors,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Maybe the pretense was comforting to him, too.—
Cassandra Neyenesch,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
At the Fort Worth show, fans can expect a setlist that balances introspection with crowd-pleasing energy, delivered with the Neighbourhood’s signature dark-pop polish.—
Travis Pinson,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Bathrooms are smartly designed to fit large shower-baths into a relatively compact space; tiling is dark and mirrored with pleasing gold accents.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Meanwhile, the Light Mount's volume knob is easy to access and satisfying to use, a much more intuitive design than the volume roller on the pricier Dark Mount.—
Aubrey Jowers,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Serve it with rice and watercress for a complete, satisfying meal.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
For a vehicle celebrated for sipping fuel rather than burning it, that’s a pleasant surprise.—
Sponsored Content,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Parks rose to fame in her teens, winning the Mercury Prize for her 2021 debut album Collapsed in Sunbeams, a diaristic clutch of pleasant soft-rock songs.—
Aimee Cliff,
Pitchfork,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Davies' assist for Karl's winner marked an encouraging return from a hamstring injury for the Canada left back ahead of the World Cup.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Despite the severity of his injuries, McManus notes, Peanut's prognosis is encouraging.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The ball circled the rim twice before dropping on Friday night, delighting Duke and its fans and crushing LSU.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Cabrera allowed one hit and walked one in his Chicago debut, delighting the crowd of 36,702 on a picturesque night at Wrigley Field.—
CBS Chicago Team,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Hall challenges my perspective (and my vocabulary) in delightful and sometimes devastating ways.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The smooth melody is joined by a charcheta and other experimental sounds, creating a delightful hybrid.—
Tere Aguilera,
Billboard,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gratifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratifying. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
