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
Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025
And then, people really loved it, which was really nice and so gratifying.
—Kristin Robinson, Billboard, 13 Aug. 2025
Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 21 Mar. 2025
So, if not a gratifying ending where everyone lives happily ever after and the villains get clobbered, then what?
—Brian Grubb, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratifying
Adjective
But Julia Stewart—a serial executive who has led operations across various billion-dollar American casual dining chains—had a gratifying career moment after being snubbed for CEO.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025
And then, people really loved it, which was really nice and so gratifying.
—Kristin Robinson, Billboard, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
Why catharsis doesn’t work Kicking the crap out of a punching bag or unleashing a rant might feel gratifying in the moment.
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 21 Mar. 2025
So, if not a gratifying ending where everyone lives happily ever after and the villains get clobbered, then what?
—Brian Grubb, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gratifying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratifying
Adjective
-
Slicing against the grain breaks up these fibers into smaller pieces, giving the steak a more tender, enjoyable texture.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Built around an all-in performance by Tedeschi, who repeatedly seems on the brink of going full Nicolas Cage but always pulls back at the last moment, Duse is an enjoyable but somewhat opaque take on an enigmatic Italian legend.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Pippa writes with such a comforting wit that her books are like a sweet treat in book format.—
Tessa Bailey,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
This Netflix romance is as comforting as a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup.—
Toni Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Once professionals know their survival depends on pleasing the leader rather than serving the country, things fall apart.—
Dan Perry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
-
This all exists in a hugely crowd-pleasing package.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The brawling is weighty and the combos are satisfying to pull off, plus the rich artwork pops wonderfully across the screen.—
Joshua Lamb,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
When life events call for satisfying comfort food, try our Eggplant Parmesan to evoke warmth and tenderness.—
Bethany Thayer,
Freep.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Sinner had left the court for a medical timeout after losing the second set, and was sweating heavily from the first set onward on a pleasant 77-degree evening.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The fact that people actually read it — that now, TFD is a fully-fledged media company with a staff of eight and a monthly audience of over 3 million women — came as a pleasant surprise.—
Chelsea Fagan,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
There was a brief period towards the end of last season when Destiny Udogie was preferred for high-profile matches, but Spence’s performances under Frank have been encouraging.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Waller’s gait appeared normal in the locker room Friday, which was an encouraging sign.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
To ensure staff are focused on delighting customers, the leadership embodies adaptive mindsets, that inspire commitment and innovation.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Djokovic has looked a man renewed in New York this year, delighting crowds with some of his rallies as his dances on court following his wins.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Ansari, Rogen, and Reeves make for a delightful trio of heavy-hitters.—
Beandrea July,
IndieWire,
7 Sep. 2025
-
What follows is a delightful mix of slapstick comedy (a bathtub scene that ranks among the best physical comedy of the decade), whimsical set pieces, and a genuinely touching story about belonging.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gratifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratifying. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share