gratification
Americannoun
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the state of being gratified; great satisfaction.
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something that gratifies; source of pleasure or satisfaction.
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the act of gratifying. gratifying.
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Archaic. a reward, recompense, or gratuity.
Other Word Forms
- nongratification noun
- overgratification noun
- pregratification noun
- supergratification noun
Etymology
Origin of gratification
First recorded in 1590–1600, gratification is from the Latin word grātificātiōn- (stem of grātificātiō ). See gratify, -ation
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Saving lives is great, he says, but there’s a different gratification that comes from having an idea in your head and then seeing it come to life.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026
"The sense of gratification I felt when we rallied around an agenda and got results made me feel like this is what I want," Thapa said of his start as a student activist.
From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026
They prefer instant gratification that extends beyond Mexico.
From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026
She told the inquiry the men "prioritised personal gratification and their careers over the wellbeing of their families" and claimed "the deceit and collusion went high up the chain."
From BBC • Dec. 15, 2025
To my surprise and gratification, I felt much better.
From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
