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
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Recent Examples of gratifying
Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
But the wave of palpable surprise that rippled through the crowd as the stage lighting turned purple made the occasion of the E Street Band covering a Prince song even more gratifying.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 12 Mar. 2026
In the years since my first session, it’s been gratifying to see psychedelics becoming more widely accepted.
—Erica Rex, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratifying
Adjective
The album the 48-year-old country-music star put out last May leans hard into mood, scale and theatricality — strings, horns, choirs, the whole shebang — built around the idea of pushing back against a culture that wants everything fast, familiar and instantly gratifying.
—Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
But the wave of palpable surprise that rippled through the crowd as the stage lighting turned purple made the occasion of the E Street Band covering a Prince song even more gratifying.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
Promoting such a high profile film—while also starring in Rachel Sennot’s buzzy HBO comedy I Love LA— has been both gratifying and, at times, nerve-wracking for the actor.
—Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 12 Mar. 2026
In the years since my first session, it’s been gratifying to see psychedelics becoming more widely accepted.
—Erica Rex, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratifying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratifying
Adjective
-
Make working from home more enjoyable with a clever USB desk fan ($8) and soothing essential oil diffuser ($7).—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
-
This premise, bolstered by excellent performances all around, could easily have sustained a totally enjoyable TV show.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Save your hammam for the evening and head straight to bed afterwards for the most comforting results.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Apr. 2026
-
There is something comforting, to me, about this churn of champions and challengers.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
His smarts and willingness to do the dirty work are coach-pleasing qualities.—
Matt Barrows,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Lululemon's choice of Heidi O'Neill as CEO isn't pleasing everyone.—
Emma Hinchliffe,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
At the core of the story is the certainty that revenge, while occasionally satisfying on a gut level, is corrosive to the soul and not, in fact, a reliable way to meet lifelong pals.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Apr. 2026
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In a competitive market, where streamers continue to invest in originals, commercial networks are strong and imports rate well, the result was satisfying for NRK.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
His voice and his music are unfailingly tasteful and pleasant, which is a key part of both his appeal and limitations.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The daily afternoon tea in Horizons is also extremely pleasant (don’t skip on the chicken sandwiches, which were more my beat than the scones and jam).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Angels fans who had regained some faith in Yusei Kikuchi after last weekend’s encouraging start could only watch with frustration as all of that was wiped away in one disturbing inning.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The research is not conclusive on the use of GLP-1 and Alzheimer’s, but some preliminary data is encouraging.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After decades of delighting fans with her brilliant performances in comedies like Private Benjamin, Overboard and The First Wives Club, Hawn is turning to a different medium to spread the power of positivity.—
Eric Andersson,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
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The rise of Bernie Sanders’ preferred Senate candidate in Michigan is frustrating moderates, delighting progressives, and testing the sway of Democratic leaders in a race that will likely determine the party’s shot at a Senate majority.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In this delightful piece of armchair naturalism, Henion’s goal is to change our vilification of darkness, to see it instead as a restorative balm, and to stoke curiosity about nocturnal landscapes and creatures.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
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For a stay near the center of the action, book a room at the Lady Grace Inn, a Victorian-style bed-and-breakfast with a delightful English high tea.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gratifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratifying. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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