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

The story is like a gentle hug, wrapping you up in a sense of comfort and contentment. —American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 17 May 2025

And contentment, when it's translated from a lot of ancient texts, means unconditional wholeness. —Jess Cording, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

Far from the stuff of checkout-line headlines, these were invariably moments of marital contentment, even bliss. —Casey Cep, New Yorker, 15 May 2025

But her kitchen filled with bottles and stories of sleepless nights affirmed my contentment with an independent lifestyle. —Amanda Sloat, Time, 14 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