GRATIFICATION Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

gratification

noun

ˌgra-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən

Definition of gratification

as in enjoyment

the feeling experienced when one's wishes are met eating good chocolate gives me a sense of intense gratification

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of gratification Yes, gratification cannot and should not be instant in every scenario. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 10 Aug. 2026 In today’s world of instant gratification and online spending, helping children understand how to create and stick to a budget is more important than ever. — Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 7 July 2026 Most fans of baseball, delayed gratification and compounding interest know about Bobby Bonilla Day, an annual acknowledgment of the dawn of deferred contracts. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 In the end, delaying gratification by using music as a reward is likely more effective than using it automatically. — Bridget K. Daleiden, The Conversation, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for gratification

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratification

Noun

That enjoyment would also help pay for the barn’s preservation.

— Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026
In psychoanalytic terms, it would be called Angstlust—the enjoyment of fear.

— Caitlín Doherty, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of enjoyment

Noun

There was that billowing and entirely formal satisfaction of sails filled with wind.

— John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Gulf News connects the trend with the satisfaction of making something from scratch, whether the finished product is a loaf of bread or a batch of cookies pulled straight from the oven.

— Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of satisfaction

Noun

But Aly [Turchioe, director of buying] and Trevor [Harvey, buyer] have been an absolute pleasure to work with over the years.

— Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
Our formula is based on the universal pleasure of solving a mystery, immersing oneself in an adventure, identifying with inspiring characters, and sharing that sense of liberation so characteristic of adolescence.

— Kevin Giraud, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of pleasure

Noun

Vettese said the collection continues to be rooted in her Italian heritage, mixed with her American life including the color, happiness and California sunshine of her childhood.

— Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026
In his latest column, Joshua Rothman explores this decline in happiness among the youth, finding that the problem goes beyond their smartphones.

— David Remnick, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of happiness

Noun

Instead, Marc Karimzadeh, senior director of content and communications for the Council of Fashion Designers of America, swung by the workroom.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Serious accusations must be supported by evidence and presented before the appropriate authorities, not through statements in media outlets whose content prioritises sensationalism and media exposure over accuracy and truth.

— Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of content

Noun

The crowd responded enthusiastically to the proposal, and many of the president’s supporters expressed delight at the prospect of receiving $5,000.

— Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2026
The calm, disciplined dive master, Rashid Suleiman, is the country’s first Tanzanian to hold that post – and a positive delight to explore the reefs with.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of delight

Browse Nearby Words

grates

gratification

gratified

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Gratification.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratification. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of gratification

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

hobnob

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes