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

Talk about delaying the gratification! —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2025

My thoughts on the reason for this would be an increasing demand for what is referred to as instant gratification. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Oct. 2025

Growing longer, healthier hair takes a lot of patience—a virtue that clashes with social media’s instant gratification itch. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2025

In this era of instant gratification and constant consumption, each passing year without Cardi’s sophomore album felt more mind-boggling than the last. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 25 Sep. 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