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

The scientist returned after 10 minutes to see if the child had managed to delay gratification. —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2025

The instant gratification of immediately seeing a photo also works well for children. —Dr. Pooja Sarin Tandon, Boston Herald, 11 May 2025

Because sports betting operates in a unique environment where success depends on threading multiple needles simultaneously: instant gratification, fraud prevention, regulatory compliance and responsible gaming. —Alexandre Gonthier, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

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

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