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

Speed Things Up The rest of the world may be preoccupied with efficiency and instant gratification, but there are certain things that those of us in this region will never rush—from cooking our greens low and slow to saying our goodbyes. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2024

Although the instant gratification of performance marketing is tempting, neglecting your brand is a shortsighted strategy. —Ira Belsky, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

Filing a lawsuit for the sake of destroying someone's livelihood, business reputation, and selfish gratification is unacceptable. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024

Start your search with these bestsellers for women and men, which are great for instant gratification or being tucked under a certain tree. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see gratify

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing gratification

• self-gratification