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

Saturn asks us to put in the hard work and follow through on promises, but Aries’ fiery nature wants instant gratification. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025

The Bigger Picture: Rewiring for A Sustainable Life In a world hyper-focused on high performance and instant gratification, digital dopamine resets might offer a radical act of restoration. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025

Beyond their instant gratification, pore strips provide an effective way to deep-clean areas prone to blackheads, such as the nose, chin, and forehead. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 July 2025

Giddy gratification and gory glimpses of the ocean predators are plentiful this year, as is some frightening and fascinating footage of the summer season’s seminal scallywag. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 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