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

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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

While a quick wardrobe switch up is always a welcome idea, there’s nothing quite as transformative—or as instantly satisfying—as a new haircut. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "New Year, New Hair! 6 Short Haircut Ideas for 2019," 2 Jan. 2019 So here's a definitive ranking of the top 8 — from the least satisfying to the most romantic of the bunch. — Noelle Devoe, Seventeen, "A Definitive Ranking of the 8 Best Nicholas Sparks Movies," 20 Nov. 2018 The right mattress is a key component to ensure satisfying sleep and better overall health. — Country Living, "SLEEP BETTER TONIGHT WITH CHARLES P. ROGERS," 13 Nov. 2018 This cycle repeats project after project, episode after episode, and the big reveal is always a satisfying dreamy and luxurious home. — Diana Budds, Curbed, "Based on your zodiac sign, what should your Halloween costume be?," 10 Oct. 2018 Investors bid online and pay the debt, satisfying the city. — Tim Prudente, baltimoresun.com, "With ownership in question, lawsuit stalls over deadly West Baltimore collapse," 12 July 2018 With vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options that incorporate seasonal produce and nutrient-dense ingredients, customers can experience a menu that is both health-conscious and satisfying without sacrificing flavor or creativity. — Joelle Goldstein, The Hollywood Reporter, "Oprah Winfrey Invests in Healthy Restaurant Chain True Food Kitchen," 11 July 2018 Mansoor simply objected to the density, even though the project satisfied the requirements of the urban overlay zone and is exactly what was envisioned by the community for this area. — Jeffrey Harlan, latimes.com, "Costa Mesa City Council majority got it wrong by denying Plant project," 10 July 2018 The combination of single-market membership for goods with a customs union will preserve frictionless trade with the EU and satisfy Mrs May’s undertaking to avert a hard border in Ireland. — The Economist, "Britain’s new Brexit plan is savaged—by its own Brexit secretary," 9 July 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.

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Dictionary Entries near satisfy

satisfy someone's every whim

Statistics for satisfy

Last Updated

17 Jan 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for satisfy

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

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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)

: 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