pleasurable

adjective

plea·​sur·​able ˈplezh-rə-bəl 

ˈplāzh-;

ˈple-zhə-, 

ˈplā-

: causing a feeling of pleasure or enjoyment : pleasant

a pleasurable sensation

pleasurable emotions

the pleasurable effects of a drug

There aren't many more pleasurable activities than shaking your thing in the streets, surrounded by all the sights and sounds of the carnival.

—Time Out

The movie takes you away, and much of the trip is a pleasurable experience, with dazzling visuals, a bright score coupled with insanely catchy pop tunes, and a charismatic cast.

—Ed Johnson-Ott

pleasurability

ˌplezh-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌplāzh-;

ˌple-zhə-, 

ˌplā-

noun

The right varietals and blends take spicy, umami and sweet Asian flavors to an entirely new level of pleasurability for guests …

—Mary Melton

pleasurableness

ˈplezh-rə-bəl-nəs 

ˈplāzh-;

ˈple-zhə-, 

ˈplā-

noun

… we can attest to the pleasurableness of the New England clam chowder …

—Frank Cohen

pleasurably

ˈplezh-rə-blē 

ˈplāzh-;

ˈple-zhə-, 

ˈplā-

adverb

Have you ever dug your feet into the warm, soft surface of a white sand beach? Felt the fine, dry grains slide pleasurably between your toes?

—Rafi Letzter

Synonyms of pleasurable

• enjoyable
• pleasant
• delightful
• delicious
• pleasing
• nice
• satisfying
• sweet
• good

Examples of pleasurable in a Sentence

a pleasurable hot bath after a tiring day

a number of pleasurable additions to the state fair this year

Recent Examples on the Web

Using a wealth of archival footage, this deeply pleasurable documentary paints a dazzling portrait of Rossellini across the years leading up to his death in 1977, and is an ecstatic, cinephilic tribute to one of world cinema’s true titans. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026

Spoken words, brisk rhythms, and the pleasurable frictions of dissonance all remained frothy and intact. —Justin Davidson, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026

But the books are a rich starting point for a group exploration of how schools create a pleasurable collective identity – for some, at least – while simultaneously shaping and celebrating students’ division and inequalities. —Michael A Messner, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026

Threat-space becomes meaningfully navigable and decision-making pleasurable. —Simon Denny, Artforum, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pleasurable

• measurable
• unmeasurable

Kids Definition

pleasurable

adjective

plea·​sur·​able ˈplezh-(ə-)rə-bəl 

ˈplāzh-

: pleasant sense 1

pleasurably

-blē 

adverb