gratification

noun

grat·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌgra-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: reward, recompense

monetary gratification for a job well done

especially : gratuity

2

: the act of gratifying : the state of being gratified

the gratification of physical appetites

3

: a source of satisfaction or pleasure

found gratification in getting his novel published

Synonyms

• content
• contentedness
• contentment
• delectation
• delight
• enjoyment
• gladness
• happiness
• pleasure
• relish
• satisfaction

Examples of gratification in a Sentence

eating good chocolate gives me a sense of intense gratification

Recent Examples on the Web

By the early 2000s, the skyrocketing values of American sports teams were starting to attract a new kind of investor, one who was not necessarily drawn by love of sport or civic pride or even ego gratification as much as by economic potential. —Bruce Schoenfeld Robert Fass Anna Diamond David Mason, New York Times, 4 May 2024

Read the full Capricorn Daily Horoscope Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) Delayed gratification? —USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see gratify

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing gratification

• self-gratification