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

• content
• contentedness
• contentment
• delectation
• delight
• enjoyment
• gladness
• happiness
• pleasure
• relish
• satisfaction

Examples of gratification in a Sentence

eating good chocolate gives me a sense of intense gratification

Recent Examples on the Web

Does your product offer immediate gratification, like decadent treats? —Roger Dooley, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

Modern online consumers like Gen Zers tend to expect instant gratification, and AI enables brands to respond fast and efficiently across multiple touchpoints. —Victoria Chynoweth, Rolling Stone, 25 Feb. 2025

Whether these incentives will meaningfully impact birth rates remains uncertain in a country where younger generations face high housing costs and increasingly prioritize personal gratification and career over traditional family roles. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

Nominations are vital for more than just the gratification that comes with recognition. —Stuart Miller, Variety, 23 Jan. 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