1
as in joy
a source of great satisfaction
tourists enjoying the delectations of this tropical paradise for the first time
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in enjoyment
the feeling experienced when one's wishes are met
a musical concert was presented for the delectation of the guests
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of delectation
In their country homes, the canvases are mere backdrops to a lifeworld, among many collections of animal likenesses that are never primarily presented as sources of visual delectation.
—
Tom McDonough, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2025
The result is a Pynchonian reduction simmered to delectation.
—Jack Denton, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
Beatmakers and sound design whizzes were summoned at ungodly hours to conjure nightmares of party music for their employer’s curatorial delectation.
—Pitchfork, 30 Sep. 2025
More than fifty years ago, any semi-sentient being could recognize the dangers of forcing minors to work gruelling hours performing emotions for the delectation of large and unseen audiences, long before their brains had finished developing.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Shelly still loves the glitz (as does the film’s director, Gia Coppola, who lingers on it all with real delectation), reminiscing about her glory days in cabaret.
—Rhonda Garelick, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025
Magnificent, with a thundering equine climax for adult delectation.
—Armond White, National Review, 28 June 2023
In fact, Saul is a performance artist, and what is performed upon him, for the delectation of a jaded audience, is surgery.
—The New Yorker, 3 June 2022
Tom McDonough, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2025
The result is a Pynchonian reduction simmered to delectation.
—Jack Denton, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
Beatmakers and sound design whizzes were summoned at ungodly hours to conjure nightmares of party music for their employer’s curatorial delectation.
—Pitchfork, 30 Sep. 2025
More than fifty years ago, any semi-sentient being could recognize the dangers of forcing minors to work gruelling hours performing emotions for the delectation of large and unseen audiences, long before their brains had finished developing.
—Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Shelly still loves the glitz (as does the film’s director, Gia Coppola, who lingers on it all with real delectation), reminiscing about her glory days in cabaret.
—Rhonda Garelick, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025
Magnificent, with a thundering equine climax for adult delectation.
—Armond White, National Review, 28 June 2023
In fact, Saul is a performance artist, and what is performed upon him, for the delectation of a jaded audience, is surgery.
—The New Yorker, 3 June 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delectation
Noun
-
Taurus April 20 – May 20 This morning invites playful focus and steady joy.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Mar. 2026
-
April 20 – May 20 This morning invites playful focus and steady joy.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
And could an impact on the reward circuitry in the brain have an effect on everyday enjoyment of life, desire and positive-risk-taking?—
Meg Tirrell,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
-
That reaction — genuine, visceral enjoyment from someone who evaluates food professionally — is about as strong an endorsement as an improvised pita sandwich can get.—
Ryan Brennan,
Kansas City Star,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Speaking via Zoom with his father, Jim, sitting next to him, McKenna is engaging, affable and, frankly, a delight.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
4 Mar. 2026
-
These plantain treats — bound to make French fries and onion rings turn limp and soggy with insecurity — are merely a weekly afternoon delight.—
Kalpana Mohan,
Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Their contentment and their connection is undeniable.—
John E. Green,
Time,
1 Feb. 2026
-
The most common feelings reflected contentment rather than passion.—
Christine Zhang,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Today, these feasts come at a cost beyond the reach of many Algerians, whose purchasing power has declined in recent years despite Algeria’s gas and oil riches, pushing more and more people below the poverty line.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Add in steam and grease from daily cooking and holiday feasts, and those dull cabinets could probably use a refresh.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
When the sun sinks below the horizon, nothing beats the retro pleasure of a movie under the twinkling stars.—
Zoey Goto,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
-
In the end, his sheer inattention to your pleasure was what made the decision for you.—
Addie Citchens,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
By far the best part of this huge chocolate treat is the instructions for eating it.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Mar. 2026
-
This pull-apart treat will add a pop of bright citrus flavor to your brunch spread.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Kornet bounced from team to team and nearly out of the league, desperate to recover the sense of satisfaction that came from sinking shot after shot.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Oh, and there’s no prize, except the quiet satisfaction of a job well done.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Delectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delectation. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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