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

Ironically, too, for the first offseason in well over a decade, the organization’s actual self-interest and penchant for reckless, all-in swings in pursuit of immediate gratification are actually aligned. —Thomas Drance, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

The instant gratification on Legette was middling at best, so the staff will need to get more out of McMillan early to make this feel like a legitimate upgrade. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025

In a factory, no worker is indispensable, and the gratification is minimal. —Gabriela Molina Riascos, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2025

And after a 23-year wait, the Packers finally spent a first round pick on a wide receiver that should provide immediate gratification. —Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see gratify

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing gratification

• self-gratification

Rhymes for gratification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration