Another Word for Grateful – Meaning, Synonyms, and Examples

The word grateful is commonly used to mean feeling or showing an appreciation for something done or received. To make your English more varied and expressive, learning another word for grateful will help. Using synonyms allows you to specify whether you mean thankful, appreciative, or indebted.

What is Another Word for Grateful?

A great synonym for grateful is thankful. Grateful means feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness. Thankful means pleased and relieved; or, expressing gratitude and appreciation. Both words are used to convey positive feelings about receiving a benefit. Learning words like thankful helps you emphasize a general sense of relief or happiness alongside appreciation.

Meaning of “Grateful”

Grateful means feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful.

We use it for people (a grateful recipient), expressions (a grateful sigh), or statements (I am grateful for your help).

Synonyms for “Grateful”

Here are some common ways to say grateful:

• Thankful: Pleased and relieved; expressing gratitude. A strong and versatile alternative.
• Appreciative: Recognizing the full worth of something; feeling or showing gratitude. Used when emphasizing understanding the value of the gesture.
• Obliged: Indebted or grateful. A formal term often used in older English, emphasizing being bound by a service rendered.
• Indebted: Owing gratitude for a service or favor. Used when emphasizing the sense of owing something back.
• Beholden: Owing thanks or having a duty to someone in return for help or a service. A more formal, less common word suggesting a strong duty.

Example Sentences

• We were thankful the rain held off during the outdoor wedding ceremony.
• The company is very appreciative of the long hours the team worked.
• I am always obliged to you for lending me your notes last semester.
• I feel indebted to my mentor for all the career advice he has given me.
• After the rescue, the hikers were forever beholden to the mountain guide.

Mini Dialogue

Sam: “Thank you so much for covering my shift yesterday. I am so grateful.”

Mia: “Of course! I’m just thankful I could help out when you needed it.”

Sam: “I’m truly indebted to you.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Don’t say: I am grateful for your kindness to me. (The preposition for is usually enough.)

✅ Do say: I am grateful for your kindness. (Keep it concise.)

Let’s Practice!

Which synonym best fits this sentence? “The organization sent a letter to their patrons, expressing how __________ they were for the generous donations.” (Answer: Appreciative – This synonym works well because it refers to formally recognizing the value and expressing gratitude for the contributions.)

Practice Tip

Use one new synonym for grateful in your next message or conversation today.

Final Note

Knowing what is another word for grateful and practicing synonyms like thankful and appreciative will help you convey your sense of thankfulness clearly.