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
This approach emphasizes meaningful pieces that tell a story over instant gratification.
—
Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Relatedly, Sweeny says, the ability to delay gratification helps people stick to an exercise routine, keep a balanced diet, and act conscientiously when recovering from illness or injury.
—Matt Fuchs, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
Animal Crossing has always been anti-instant gratification.
—Kallie Plagge, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2026
In reality, people prefer immediate gratification and simultaneously tend to downplay the benefit of waiting for longer-term rewards.
—Michele Patterson Ford, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratification
Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Relatedly, Sweeny says, the ability to delay gratification helps people stick to an exercise routine, keep a balanced diet, and act conscientiously when recovering from illness or injury.
—Matt Fuchs, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
Animal Crossing has always been anti-instant gratification.
—Kallie Plagge, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2026
In reality, people prefer immediate gratification and simultaneously tend to downplay the benefit of waiting for longer-term rewards.
—Michele Patterson Ford, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gratification
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gratification
Noun
-
The lot of the property covers a substantial area of 8,116 square feet, complete with a pool for outdoor enjoyment.—
Bay Area Home Report,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The lawsuit accuses the city of taking no efforts to stop trespassers and failing to compensate the owners for their loss of use and enjoyment of the property.—
Jack Flemming,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Their contentment and their connection is undeniable.—
John E. Green,
Time,
1 Feb. 2026
-
The most common feelings reflected contentment rather than passion.—
Christine Zhang,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Couples can compare photographers by turnaround time, caterers by guest satisfaction scores, and venues by seasonal pricing trends.—
Craig Lebrau,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Giving a worn accessory new life brings a sense of satisfaction while keeping it out of the landfill.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Keïta and his studio fostered the embellishment of style and persona, the pleasure and play of fashioning a look and of desiring to be looked at.—
Zoë Hopkins,
New Yorker,
7 Feb. 2026
-
For those mixing business and pleasure, there are 28 indoor/outdoor meeting spaces that come with tech support and a personal meeting concierge.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Guthrie explains experiences like this taught her faith is forged, not in moments of ease or happiness, but in the lowest points of adversity.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
In some cases, sleeping separately can actually improve sleep, and consequently happiness.—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Those stars with higher metal contents live longer and burn cooler in general, but only slightly, and in a way that’s much more impactful for higher mass stars than lower-mass stars.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Feb. 2026
-
In almost all cases, athletes are also wearing some version of team gear in their content rather than any brand that might be sponsoring them outside the Olympic context.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Spices and seasonings make our taste buds – and sometimes our bodies – dance in delight.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The roar was one thing, but even more memorable were the gasps of shock and delight from the fans when the finish was shown on the screens.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
2 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gratification.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gratification. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
