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

• 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

Many teenagers are already prone to seeking immediate gratification and avoiding social discomfort. —Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025

This is not about instant gratification and fulfillment; after all, this is earth energy. —Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 10 July 2025

Instead of waiting to pay off the purchases, consumers get instant gratification in four, six or more easy payments without paying interest. —Atal Bansal, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025

For decades, we’ve been sold the idea that progress means faster, bigger, and farther away, that convenience and instant gratification is best. —Nathalie Kelley, Time, 17 June 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