contentment

noun

con·​tent·​ment kən-ˈtent-mənt 

1

: the quality or state of being contented

There was a look of contentment on her face.

2

: something that contents

… states that allow their muscles to spoil them and their contentments to enfeeble them.

—The New Republic

Synonyms

• content
• contentedness
• delectation
• delight
• enjoyment
• gladness
• gratification
• happiness
• pleasure
• relish
• satisfaction

Examples of contentment in a Sentence

He believes that people can find peace and contentment in living simply.

There was a look of perfect contentment on her face.

Recent Examples on the Web

Relaxed licking paired with loose body language likely indicates love and contentment. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 June 2025

The words used illustrated a sense of contentment from the quarterback toward the front office. —Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 21 May 2025

These five simple but powerful life lessons inspired by Finnish and Nordic culture could help anyone build a little more happiness—or contentment—into their own lives. —David Nikel, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

Reddit Reacts Cat lovers have joined in to share photos of their own pets doing the same—or to compliment Henry's visible contentment. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contentement "satisfaction of a claim or debt," borrowed from Anglo-French, from contenter "to satisfy, content entry 3" + -ment -ment

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing contentment

• self-contentment

Rhymes for contentment

• presentment
• resentment

Kids Definition

contentment

noun

con·​tent·​ment kən-ˈtent-mənt 

: freedom from worry or restlessness : peaceful satisfaction