gratify
verb
grat·i·fy
ˈgra-tə-ˌfī 
gratified; gratifying
1
: to be a source of or give pleasure or satisfaction to
it gratified him to have his wife wear jewels—
Willa Cather
Willa Cather3
archaic
: remunerate, reward
Did you know?
A gratifying experience is quietly pleasing or satisfying. But gratifying an impulse means giving in to it, which isn't always such a good idea, and "instant gratification" of every desire will result in a life based on junk food and worse. Truly gratifying experiences and accomplishments usually are the result of time and effort.
Examples of gratify in a Sentence
A guilty verdict would gratify the victim's relatives.
He's only concerned with gratifying his own desires.
Recent Examples on the Web
And while the mountain is gratifying enough, Lake Placid is one of the northeast’s most cozy and charming ski towns.
—Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Nov. 2024
In its short first-season run, the series succeeds in weaving a remarkable number of ideas together, the bad guys most deserving of comeuppance getting at least something in the ballpark of justice, but potential fans will still be gratified to know that a second season is officially on its way.
—Alexis Gunderson, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024
We are gratified that the Court dismissed the vast majority of the claims and made clear that concerts at the Stadium are authorized under the relevant legal documents.
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 25 Oct. 2024
But for now, the Quest is an actual product circulating in the market, which is why the next item may be more immediately gratifying.
—Adriana Lee, WWD, 30 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gratify 
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Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Nov. 2024
In its short first-season run, the series succeeds in weaving a remarkable number of ideas together, the bad guys most deserving of comeuppance getting at least something in the ballpark of justice, but potential fans will still be gratified to know that a second season is officially on its way.
—Alexis Gunderson, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024
We are gratified that the Court dismissed the vast majority of the claims and made clear that concerts at the Stadium are authorized under the relevant legal documents.
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 25 Oct. 2024
But for now, the Quest is an actual product circulating in the market, which is why the next item may be more immediately gratifying.
—Adriana Lee, WWD, 30 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gratify
Dictionary Entries Near gratify
Cite this Entry
“Gratify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gratify. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gratify
verb
grat·i·fy
ˈgrat-ə-ˌfī
gratified; gratifying
1
: to give or be a source of pleasure or satisfaction to
2
: to grant a favor to : indulge
gratification
noun
ˌgrat-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən
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