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

Enthusiasts are also drawn to film as an antidote to digital fatigue and the instant gratification of their smartphones. —ABC News, 11 Mar. 2026

Above-Ground Pools Above-ground pools are about immediate gratification. —Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 11 Mar. 2026

Udo Kier plays an incestuous, fascist version of Baron Frankenstein, whose male and female creatures are designed to create the master Serbian race, but are also fit to be molested and mutilated for the gratification of him and his wife. —Rory Doherty, Time, 7 Mar. 2026

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

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