pleasant

adjective

pleas·​ant ˈple-zᵊnt 

1

: having qualities that tend to give pleasure : agreeable

a pleasant day

2

: having or characterized by pleasing manners, behavior, or appearance

pleasantly adverb

pleasantness noun

Synonyms

• enjoyable
• delightful
• nice
• pleasing
• delicious
• sweet
• satisfying
• good
• welcome
• heavenly
• pleasurable

Examples of pleasant in a Sentence

the pleasant smell of cookies baking in the oven

We had a pleasant conversation.

Our evening together was pleasant but not very exciting.

I didn't know you were coming. What a pleasant surprise!

Their new teacher seems pleasant enough.

a very pleasant young man

Recent Examples on the Web

Many people find coriander seeds to have a pleasant, almost sweet taste. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2025

Think wild strawberries and mineral lift with just enough texture to add a pleasant element of complexity, something not often found in entry-level rosé. —Devin Parr, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Mini marshmallows add a chewy, soft contrast, while crunchy lemon cookies give the dessert a pleasant crunch. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025

Light, crisp and not overly sweet, the mimosa was a pleasant surprise, especially with white wine replacing the usual champagne. —Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 3 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English plesaunt, from Anglo-French plaisant, from present participle of plaisir

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pleasant

• peasant
• pheasant
• present
• omnipresent
• unpleasant

Kids Definition

pleasant

adjective

pleas·​ant ˈplez-ᵊnt 

1

: giving pleasure : agreeable

a pleasant day

2

: having or marked by pleasing manners, behavior, or appearance

the new teacher is very pleasant

pleasantly adverb

pleasantness noun