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 of gratification

• enjoyment
• contentment
• satisfaction
• pleasure
• happiness
• content
• delight

Examples of gratification in a Sentence

eating good chocolate gives me a sense of intense gratification

Recent Examples on the Web

Seeking gratification, we have been told, feels good in the moment but worse in the long run. — Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026

Can that gratification be found in supporting and maintaining an edifice that has been erected by others? — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

The best Fourth of July furniture sales are here ahead of schedule this year, which is the kind of immediate gratification anyone who’s been counting down to the long weekend can get behind. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2026

In the end, delaying gratification by using music as a reward is likely more effective than using it automatically. — Bridget K. Daleiden, The Conversation, 29 June 2026

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