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

Relatedly, Sweeny says, the ability to delay gratification helps people stick to an exercise routine, keep a balanced diet, and act conscientiously when recovering from illness or injury. —Matt Fuchs, Time, 20 Jan. 2026

Animal Crossing has always been anti-instant gratification. —Kallie Plagge, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2026

This can all be done through the Nintendo website and gives you instant gratification from your purchase without having to wait on a disc to arrive in the mail or drive to a video game store and hope your favorite game is in stock. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026

In reality, people prefer immediate gratification and simultaneously tend to downplay the benefit of waiting for longer-term rewards. —Michele Patterson Ford, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 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