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

Between ever-evolving technology, social media influence, and a society that thrives on competition and instant gratification, parents these days are stressed. —Alex Vance, Parents, 25 Feb. 2026

In an era of instant gratification and few taboos, how to represent an antique story so entirely conditioned on denial and restraint? —Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 20 Feb. 2026

Styling products are usually instant-gratification territory—but what surprised me here was that the benefits didn’t stop once my hair dried. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Feb. 2026

Social media rewards immediate gratification. —Mina Haque, Fortune, 15 Feb. 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