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

Complicating matters, one person’s cringe is another’s enjoyment.

— Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Separate research from Prudential Financial recently found that more than six in 10 retirees with at least $500,000 in investable assets do not feel comfortable spending money for enjoyment.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of enjoyment

Noun

Grenada The new year marks the 150th anniversary of Spicemas, the annual August carnival in Grenada, which is known as the Spice Island due to its cultivation of nutmeg, cloves and other scented delights.

— Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
That may not be everybody’s notion of delight, but each to his own.

— Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 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

One June morning in 2002, on a day when Catholics celebrate the feasts of Sts.

— Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Pittol and former business partner Max Shuffler started hosting dinners out of her Echo Park garage, earning a following for her fruit pies and elaborate live-fire feasts.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of feast

Noun

While some call it innovative, is there something that gets missed when the hard conversations about safety and pleasure become a digital feedback loop?

— Brittany Luse, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026
Neufchatel Cheese This is just diet cream cheese, for those who prefer to sacrifice the small pleasures in life.

— Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of pleasure

Noun

For example, once a rat has been trained to push a lever to get a treat, its dopamine levels will rise at the sight of the lever before the treat is even available.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Each hot chocolate mix is packaged in its own decorative box with flavors like peppermint swirl, gingerbread, s’mores, chocolate cherry, and more to finish every day with a cheerful sweet treat.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 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

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delectably

delectation

delectations

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“Delectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delectation. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of delectation

noun

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