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

Though dated in an age of instant digital gratification, the old-school technology maintains some persistent throwback popularity thanks to booths like Old Friend — which offers four flashes and four images, in three minute — attracting people of all kinds. —Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

Botox takes about two weeks to show full results, while filler provides instant gratification. —Essence, 12 Nov. 2025

This is accepting that instant gratification is fantasy; being a country is work, and the work is incremental. —Big Think, 12 Nov. 2025

All Her Fault’s short-term gratification is in those big tell-off scenes, the moments Marissa and Jenny get to rip apart men who refuse to take any ownership over their actions. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Nov. 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