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
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
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
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delectation
Noun
-
For every grousing old-timer who felt that Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman was contaminating the genre came another who expressed sheer joy that such a show even existed.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
The death of two of his sons in previous years formed the background, but Cave’s themes are hopefulness and the joy that lives at the far side of grief.—
Maira Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
When the Moon enters Taurus, enjoyment gives your confidence something solid to build on.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
-
Ben Shapiro’s heartwarming enjoyment of musical theater?—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Musical delight did not seem to be biologically endowed in quite the direct way people had assumed.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
The jingle has staying power — much to the delight of prolific thriller author James Patterson, who helped write the lyrics in his early career in advertising.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Those who smooth everything over, who perform contentment rather than feel it, slowly drain that account without either partner quite knowing why.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
-
While hedonic wellbeing often stems from minor and fleeting pleasures, such as the enjoyment people get from eating delicious food or watching something funny, eudaimonic pleasures refer to experiences that provide a deeper, more profound sense of accomplishment or contentment.—
Markham Heid,
Time,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
The back patio is the best place to enjoy a feast of American seafood and cocktails while looking out at the slips.—
Nora Heston Tarte,
Mercury News,
18 May 2026
-
Paltrow’s Instagram posts are consistently a fashion feast for the eyes.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
For a completist like me, the pleasures of MTV Unplugged came from hearing overfamiliar songs freshened up, if rarely truly reimagined.—
Dan Kois,
Pitchfork,
17 May 2026
-
The property’s pleasures certainly help.—
Natalie Hoberman,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
And what a treat to witness Bryan Cranston return as ‘Malcolm in the Middle’s’ hapless dad.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2026
-
The first treat Arocho bought himself was a king-size bed.—
Sandra Gonzalez,
CNN Money,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Within months, customer satisfaction had fallen sharply and service quality had grown inconsistent.—
Rhett Power,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
-
Seeing clients reorient themselves from uncertain to unstoppable is one of the most rewarding parts of her work, and this satisfaction continues to guide her momentum.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Delectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delectation. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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