gratification

noun

grat·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌgra-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce gratification (audio)
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

Examples of gratification in a Sentence

eating good chocolate gives me a sense of intense gratification
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Instant social gratification and self-worth validation are among the most common motivations for using dating apps. Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025 Read more The Masters Final Round Odds, Picks: Can Rory McIlroy Hold Off DeChambeau? DraftKings Promo Code Delivers $150 Instant Bonus Instant gratification is rare in sports, but that is exactly what players can get on DraftKings Sportsbook. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025 Social media can be used to create a community of loyal customers who share their experiences, tips, and feedback, while in-store offerings can provide immediate gratification and envy through instant rewards and personalized services. Ashley McGrail, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 The instant gratification thing is a huge thing in our society, and so is the gamification. Scott Thompson, Fox News, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gratification

Word History

Etymology

see gratify

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gratification was in 1576

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Cite this Entry

“Gratification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gratification. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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