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

But with that gift comes a cost: instant gratification. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025

These slow-dating features prioritize emotional resonance over instant gratification. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have systematically hacked our brains for quick hits of dopamine, conditioning young people for instant gratification and eroding their patience for challenging cognitive tasks. —Catherine Goetze, Time, 17 Apr. 2025

In an era of Name, Image and Likeness and the transfer portal that screams instant gratification, Close remains process-driven and pushes personal development beyond the hardwood. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 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