DELECTATION Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

delectation

noun

ˌdē-ˌlek-ˈtā-shən

Definition of delectation

as in joy

a source of great satisfaction tourists enjoying the delectations of this tropical paradise for the first time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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.

Recent Examples of delectation The movie wastes no time delivering the gory goods, which are served up for our delectation like the killings in a slasher movie. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for delectation

Noun

Zest has also been referred to as vitality, exuberance, and joie de vivre, the French phrase for the joy of living.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
The resulting meatballs were moist, herby, spiced, seasoned, spicy and just a joy to eat.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of joy

Noun

Starting with a scene that feels real and looks real lets McKeown get away with what is otherwise a silly creature feature, elongated but never past the point of enjoyment.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
They were found to sharply increase how long people continued to engage, but often for reasons of anger and curiosity, rather than enjoyment.

— Pascal Vrticka, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of enjoyment

Noun

Leaving aside the comics, tie-books, video games, and other ancillary delights of exploiting successful IP, there’s the Netflix show, of course.

— Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
Once a farrier's shop, Bygones Cocktail Bar, centered on a horseshoe bar, has romantic lighting, cocktails executed with joy and delight, and a laissez-faire atmosphere.

— Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of delight

Noun

The series will explore what constitutes happiness in different cultures and show the travelers — and viewers — different approaches to contentment.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
Yet as related here in the low-key delivery of someone who not just survived but lived to be 101 years old, Jaku was able to enjoy the love, peace, contentment and security he was denied in his youth.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of contentment

Noun

These novels are puzzles at their core, and using logic to solve the mystery before it’s revealed in the book is, to me, the main pleasure in reading them.

— New York Times, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Stanton’s confession ends up being incomprehensible to anyone but himself—an irony that McCarthy, with his partiality for secret codes, seems to take great pleasure in.

— Max Callimanopulos, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of pleasure

Noun

While consistency in taste keeps people coming back for more of their delicious treats, there are some exciting changes this year.

— Morgan Rynor, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Founded by Victor and Stacey Garcia, Sol Dias serves authentic Mexican treats like ice cream, ice pops, sorbets and churros.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of treat

Noun

Zest contributes to life satisfaction among children, adolescents, and adults.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
Are there different kinds of nursing homes that could be much more effective and efficient and also provide more satisfaction for people who are growing older?

— John E. McDonough, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of satisfaction

Browse Nearby Words

delectably

delectation

delectations

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“Delectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delectation. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of delectation

noun

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