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

Civic Center and the adjacent Hayes Valley neighborhood offered their own musical gratifications. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024

Thinking How to reclaim deep thinking: Ditch Google, trust yourself Delay the instant gratification of online knowledge and first seek out the wisdom within yourself. —Big Think, 24 June 2024

Ultimately, the rally fell short, delaying yet again gratification that has been throttled for a generation. —Adam H. Beasley, Miami Herald, 19 June 2024

It could also be used to help clients visualize what their deferred gratification—all that saving in a retirement fund or brokerage account—could get them, like, say, a vacation home. —Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 4 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

see gratify

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing gratification

• self-gratification