satisfy

verb

sat·​is·​fy ˈsa-təs-ˌfī How to pronounce satisfy (audio)
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
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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Interviews with the soldiers and Russian opinion surveys show that such a truce would also fail to satisfy a large part of Russian society. Anatoly Kurmanaev, New York Times, 17 May 2025 Designed to satisfy North American tastes, Nutella Peanut will blend the traditional creamy recipe from 1964 with the flavor of roasted peanuts. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 May 2025 Lastly, fields are rings that satisfy even more conditions. Courtney Gibbons, The Conversation, 15 May 2025 Trying to satisfy this directive, the CIA handed its mission to the National Security Council (NSC). Time, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for satisfy

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of satisfy was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Satisfy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/satisfy. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

satisfy

verb
sat·​is·​fy ˈsat-əs-ˌfī How to pronounce satisfy (audio)
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 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

More from Merriam-Webster on satisfy

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