self-gratification
noun
self-grat·i·fi·ca·tion
ˌself-ˌgra-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən 
: the act of pleasing oneself or of satisfying one's desires
especially
: the satisfying of one's own sexual urges
Examples of self-gratification in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
According to the warrant affidavit, the man then took his phone out of his pocket, pulled his pants down and began engaging in self-gratification.
—
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025
Sure, there’s one last bit of Taylor Sheridan self-gratification in the first ten minutes, as everyone gathers around and laughs heartily at one last wacky story from Travis.
—Vulture Editors, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024
Indeed, liberal societies have often encouraged the aimless pursuit of material self-gratification.
—Francis Fukuyama, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2022
The acts in general thought about a little more than self-gratification and social media affirmation.
—Spin Staff, Spin, 5 Sep. 2023
The vote Wednesday was a monumental exercise in political self-gratification.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2023
Witnessing the birth of communal merriment is a singular pleasure, especially considering how many groups are over a century deep into their self-gratification.
—al, 17 Feb. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025
Sure, there’s one last bit of Taylor Sheridan self-gratification in the first ten minutes, as everyone gathers around and laughs heartily at one last wacky story from Travis.
—Vulture Editors, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024
Indeed, liberal societies have often encouraged the aimless pursuit of material self-gratification.
—Francis Fukuyama, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2022
The acts in general thought about a little more than self-gratification and social media affirmation.
—Spin Staff, Spin, 5 Sep. 2023
The vote Wednesday was a monumental exercise in political self-gratification.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2023
Witnessing the birth of communal merriment is a singular pleasure, especially considering how many groups are over a century deep into their self-gratification.
—al, 17 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Self-gratification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-gratification. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share