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

DraftKings Promo Code: Bet $5, Win $150 Bonus Instant gratification is far from the norm in sports betting, but this DraftKings promo is breaking the mold. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025

Fontanel goes on to elegantly describe the gratification of aloneness, and offers keen social observations about the mistaken assumptions of others, foremost among them the idea that a woman needs a partner to find happiness. —Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025

Many teenagers are already prone to seeking immediate gratification and avoiding social discomfort. —Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025

This is not about instant gratification and fulfillment; after all, this is earth energy. —Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 10 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