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

The joy in this book is how once-secret desire is eventually and fully met by, and with, love.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
One of them was Maggie Bieritz, one of those people who radiates joy and wit.

— Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of joy

Noun

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
Richardson discusses how his early fascination with science and his enjoyment of science fiction has influenced his poetry and considers the way his aphorisms counterbalance his more lyric poems.

— Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of enjoyment

Noun

The senior receiver made a game-winning, one-handed catch on fourth-and-goal for the Eagles in the closing seconds — and much to the delight of senior quarterback Sean Ruisz.

— Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
Cranston leaned into the theatrics, drilling into the bone to the delight of onlookers.

— Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of delight

Noun

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
The Straits of Florida glisten and the sun leaves a feeling of hazy contentment.

— Oliver Wu, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of contentment

Noun

At Malate Church, parishioners marked the feast Sunday by bringing their beloved pets for a special blessing — mostly dogs but also cats and even a pet snail.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
In the scene, Simon’s family speaks Kreyòl — although to varying degrees of proficiency — and the camera lingers on the Haitian feast presented on the table.

— Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of feast

Noun

This is even more true at Rumari Counter, a new experience with comfy stools for up to 10 diners per night who get the pleasure of eating a prix-fixe meal that will never be prepared again (the counter menu changes nightly).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
As with previous models, the overall experience is a pleasure for both work and play, particularly with the Liquid Retina display and responsive keyboard.

— Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of pleasure

Noun

Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play isn’t a musical, but about two-thirds of the way through, there’s a sing-off that’s both a gleeful showstopper and a wry metatheatrical treat.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026
There is also a tea party room serving a variety of sweet treats inspired by the book, including cakes representing a white rabbit, a red rose and a mushroom.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of treat

Noun

And the pursuit of more can make satisfaction increasingly difficult to sustain.

— Wyles Daniel, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
That said, the impossibility of knowing how to get rid of these immense beings, and the DIY nature of the operations its doughty characters come up with, is one of the great sources of satisfaction these movies offer.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 30 Sep. 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 6 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of delectation

noun

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