gratitude

noun

grat·​i·​tude ˈgra-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce gratitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
Synonyms of gratitude
: the state of being grateful : thankfulness
expressed gratitude for their support

Synonyms of gratitude

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Examples of gratitude in a Sentence

Let me express my sincere gratitude for all your help. We remember with gratitude those who died defending our country.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Reaching out to express gratitude, offer help, or simply listen is consistently rated as more rewarding by the recipient than the initiator expects. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the state government, describing the program as an opportunity to begin a new chapter of their lives with dignity and hope. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 The Guthrie family has worked closely with local and federal law enforcement since Nancy’s disappearance, and have publicly expressed gratitude for the investigative efforts. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2026 One person wanted to correspond with a child who was joining the military, another wrote a gratitude letter to a parent that was a decade in the making. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gratitude

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin gratitudo, from Latin gratus grateful

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gratitude was in 1565

Phrases Containing gratitude

Rhymes for gratitude

See All Rhymes for gratitude

Browse Nearby Words

gratis
gratitude
gratonite
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Cite this Entry

“Gratitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gratitude. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gratitude

noun
grat·​i·​tude ˈgrat-ə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce gratitude (audio)
: the state of being grateful
Etymology

Middle English gratitude "gratitude," derived from Latin gratitudo (same meaning), from gratus "thankful" — related to congratulate, grace

More from Merriam-Webster on gratitude

Nglish: Translation of gratitude for Spanish Speakers

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