satisfy

verb

sat·​is·​fy ˈsa-təs-ˌfī 

satisfied; satisfying

transitive verb

1

a

: to carry out the terms of (something, such as a contract) : discharge

b

: to meet a financial obligation to

2

: to make reparation to (an injured party) : indemnify

3

a

: to make happy : please

b

: to gratify to the full : appease

4

a

: convince

b

: to put an end to (doubt or uncertainty) : dispel

5

a

: to conform to (specifications) : be adequate to (an end in view)

b

: to make true by fulfilling a condition

values that satisfy an equation

satisfy a hypothesis

intransitive verb

: to be adequate : suffice

also : please

Synonyms

• alleviate
• slake
• indulge
• satiate
• relieve
• sate
• quench
• assuage

Choose the Right Synonym for satisfy

pay, compensate, remunerate, satisfy, reimburse, indemnify, repay, recompense mean to give money or its equivalent in return for something.

pay implies the discharge of an obligation incurred.

paid their bills

compensate implies a making up for services rendered.

an attorney well compensated for her services

remunerate clearly suggests paying for services rendered and may extend to payment that is generous or not contracted for.

promised to remunerate the searchers handsomely

satisfy implies paying a person what is required by law.

all creditors will be satisfied in full

reimburse implies a return of money that has been spent for another's benefit.

reimbursed employees for expenses

indemnify implies making good a loss suffered through accident, disaster, warfare.

indemnified the families of the dead miners

repay stresses paying back an equivalent in kind or amount.

repay a favor with a favor

recompense suggests due return in amends, friendly repayment, or reward.

passengers were recompensed for the delay

Examples of satisfy in a Sentence

Nothing satisfies her so much as doing a good job.

The movie's ending failed to satisfy audiences.

His curiosity was satisfied by their explanation.

They have satisfied themselves that the story is only a rumor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Serve up a board at a party, and have fun sampling all the different flavors with your guests, or whip up a quick flight for a drool-worthy afternoon snack that satisfies all your cravings. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2025

Under Chapter 11, creditors, including the IRS, cannot take your primary residence to satisfy debts. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025

There will soon be a new spot in Charlotte to satisfy your sweet tooth. —Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2025

The patterned intricacy of Dante’s terza rima was dazzling enough—as satisfying, for a certain kind of person, as a Japanese watch movement or Incan stonemasonry. —Literary Hub, 16 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English satisfien, from Anglo-French satisfier, modification of Latin satisfacere, from satis enough + facere to do, make — more at sad, do

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing satisfy

• satisfy someone's every whim

Rhymes for satisfy

• abscissae
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi
• certify

Kids Definition

satisfy

verb

sat·​is·​fy ˈsat-əs-ˌfī 

satisfied; satisfying

1

: to do what has been agreed upon in

satisfy a contract

2

a

: to make happy : please

the movie's ending satisfied everyone

b

: to meet the needs of : appease

satisfied their hunger

3

: convince

satisfied that they are innocent

4

: fulfill sense 2, meet

satisfy requirements

5

: to make true by fulfilling a condition

values that satisfy an equation

satisfiable

-ˌfī-ə-bəl

adjective

satisfyingly

-ˌfī-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Etymology

Middle English satisfien "fulfill an obligation," from early French satisfier (same meaning), from Latin satisfacere (same meaning), from satis "enough" and facere "to do, make" — related to fashion, perfect

Legal Definition

satisfy

transitive verb

sat·​is·​fy

satisfied; satisfying

1

a

: to carry out the terms or obligation of (as by payment of money)

refused to satisfy the judgment against her

satisfy a condition precedent

broadly : to cause to be discharged, settled, or paid

sought to satisfy his claim against the debtor

b

: to meet an obligation to

satisfy a creditor

2

: to convince by argument or evidence

3

: to conform to

satisfy requirements