satisfy

verb
sat·​is·​fy | \ ˈsa-təs-ˌfī How to pronounce satisfy (audio) \
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
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.
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Recent Examples on the Web Some have learned temporary fixes that will satisfy the less strict kosher-keepers, such as cooking fish in foil to insulate it from a non-kosher oven. Washington Post, "Package-tour diplomacy: Thousands of Israeli tourists flock to Dubai after peace deal," 14 Dec. 2020 In choosing Austin, Biden taps a 40-year military veteran who will satisfy the liberals of his party who had been calling for more minority representation among his top Cabinet picks. Abraham Mahshie, Washington Examiner, "Biden selects retired Gen. Lloyd Austin as defense secretary," 7 Dec. 2020 So making the playoffs would more than satisfy the fan base. Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, "'Last team standing': Phoenix Suns talking expectations, playoffs – and championships," 2 Dec. 2020 The Tigers' game against No. 1 Alabama was indefinitely postponed last week because of coronavirus protocols that left LSU without enough scholarship players to satisfy SEC roster requirements. Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, "Arkansas-LSU game will be played as scheduled," 20 Nov. 2020 That means sparkling wines, bright whites, zingy rosés, light chill-able reds, and mellow darker reds that satisfy those who love their wines big and bold. Elin Mccoy, Bloomberg.com, "Toast Your Thanksgiving With a Rosé From Texas or a Vermont Red," 19 Nov. 2020 To satisfy the positional requirements, each of those players must be on scholarship. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, "Utah’s game cancellation puts UCLA’s home opener in jeopardy," 6 Nov. 2020 The deal would satisfy the affordable housing requirements for a different, larger project: Crescent Heights’ planned 984-unit housing tower at 10 South Van Ness Ave. Roland Li, SFChronicle.com, "Agreement signed to sell SF’s ‘Monster in the Mission’ site for affordable housing," 4 Sep. 2020 New York state law currently allows employers to satisfy minimum wage requirements by combining a ‘cash wage’ paid by the employer with tips that the employee receives from customers. Whizy Kim, refinery29.com, "How Much Should You Tip During COVID-19?," 24 Aug. 2020

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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First Known Use of satisfy

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

History and Etymology for satisfy

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

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Learn More about satisfy

Time Traveler for satisfy

Time Traveler

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

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Statistics for satisfy

Last Updated

20 Dec 2020

Cite this Entry

“Satisfy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/satisfy. Accessed 2 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for satisfy

satisfy

verb
How to pronounce satisfy (audio)

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

satisfy

verb
sat·​is·​fy | \ ˈsa-təs-ˌfī How to pronounce satisfy (audio) \
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.
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

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Comments on satisfy

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