satisfy

verb

sat·is·fy | \ ˈsa-təs-ˌfī

satisfied; satisfying

Definition of satisfy

transitive verb

1a : 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

3a : to make happy : please

b : to gratify to the full : appease

4a : convince

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

5a : 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 Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about satisfy

Keep scrolling for more

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

No longer are the zits the juicy whiteheads that explode with a satisfying pop. — Allure, "How to Treat Cystic Acne, According to Dermatologists," 14 Mar. 2019 But the big question is whether any amount of spending would actually satisfy Mr. Trump, or whether his real attempt is to divide NATO and the European Union, both Mr. Heisbourg and Mr. Valasek said. — Steven Erlanger, New York Times, "Amid the Trumpian Chaos, Europe Sees a Strategy: Divide and Conquer," 13 July 2018 That became clear this week with the resignation of two British cabinet members, underscoring that no conceivable plan would satisfy all parties. — Dan Stewart, Time, "The 3 Big Takeaways from Donald Trump's Controversial Interview with The Sun," 13 July 2018 Almost everything is accounted for, and the base $65 package should be enough to satisfy plenty of people. — Chris Welch, The Verge, "The Verge Cord Cutter’s Guide: hardware, software, and services," 20 Dec. 2018 The Good Parkour system combines speed, power-ups, and rewards to anchor the game's satisfying core. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Sunset Overdrive review: Ride the rails to kaboom-town (finally on PCs, too)," 17 Nov. 2018 If that was the highlight, then the opportunity to test run a skin-baring, vacation-appropriate wardrobe was surely a satisfying bonus. — Rachel Hahn, Vogue, "Forget Lindsay Lohan: Casey Spooner Is Having the Chicest Greek Vacation Ever," 14 Sep. 2018 And while 12-2 and the 2017 Atlantic Coast Conference title might satisfy most programs, Ferrell said their performance left the Tigers flat. — Pete Iacobelli, The Seattle Times, "Clemson carrying memories of year’s loss into title game," 2 Jan. 2019 These games featured striking art, huge sprites, and satisfying attacks. — Michael Thompson, Ars Technica, "Drawn together: The love affair between comics and games," 24 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'satisfy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about satisfy

Dictionary Entries near satisfy

satisfy someone's every whim

Statistics for satisfy

Last Updated

11 Apr 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for satisfy

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

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for satisfy

satisfy

verb

English Language Learners Definition of satisfy

: to cause (someone) to be happy or pleased

: to provide, do, or have what is required by (someone or something)

formal : to cause (someone) to believe that something is true

See the full definition for satisfy in the English Language Learners Dictionary

satisfy

verb

sat·is·fy | \ ˈsa-təs-ˌfī

satisfied; satisfying

Kids Definition of satisfy

1 : to make happy or contented Everyone was satisfied with the compromise.

2 : to meet the needs of The meal satisfied our hunger.

3 : convince We are satisfied the story is true.

4 : to do what has been agreed upon The contract has been satisfied.

satisfy

transitive verb

sat·is·fy

satisfied; satisfying

Legal Definition of satisfy

1a : 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