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

But a path still exists for AI to repair some of the public’s lost physical connectivity with the world outside their phones, and to recapture some of the gratification lost from that era. — Ian Bogost, Time, 18 Aug. 2026

The article cautions against outsourcing relationship building to AI, noting that authentic connections require time, vulnerability, and generosity, offering no immediate gratification. — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Everyone is a performer, everyone is chasing fame and attention and gratification for their output maybe more than ever. — Brendan Menapace, SPIN, 17 Aug. 2026

Yes, gratification cannot and should not be instant in every scenario. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 10 Aug. 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