1
as in joy
a source of great satisfaction
tourists enjoying the delectations of this tropical paradise for the first time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
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
-
James saw him one day and was drawn to help kids in similar situations realize their joy.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 May 2026
-
As my sunken heart leapt up, my limbs warmed with joy and relief.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
The Moon moves through your 5th House of Creativity, bringing energy toward expression and enjoyment.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The platform also accommodates mobile properties such as boats and recreational vehicles, where operational knowledge plays a significant role in both safety and enjoyment.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Screenwriter Jeremy Slater takes pains to pay homage to the games as much as possible, featuring so many throwaway references that the aficionados at the press screening were screaming with delight.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
-
Susie, on the other hand, continues to be a perfect delight.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
But one theme of this record, as well as love and contentment, was about a reckoning with ambition.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
1 May 2026
-
Despite their questionable politics, something about the Millers’ wholesome, Christian contentment strikes a chord with Rue.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
What to eat, drink and do 🌮 A Derby party, Cinco de Mayo feasts and a crawfish boil headline May’s best food events.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
1 May 2026
-
The living cartoon is an absolute visual feast.—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The Santa Fe burrito is a genuine pleasure—more restrained, built on a smaller scale, with green chile doing the complex, vegetal, low-burning work that other versions might leave to salsa—though, again, the tortilla serves its contents, rather than the hosannas going the other way.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
-
This is about pleasure that’s honest and yours to indulge.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The recently refreshed lakeside pool makes for a perfect place to cool off after a hard day’s work of vacationing, and the on-site bakery is the spot for coffee and a treat.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
-
The model worked a treat, with JWST's observations not only explaining the TOI-1130 system, but possibly all mini-Neptunes that are found close to their star.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
But there’s a real satisfaction in watching Ohm figure out the suite’s unique conveniences, run by analog systems of pulleys and levers, confronting the terrors within and mastering them for his survival.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
2 May 2026
-
There’s real satisfaction in seeing something come together smoothly.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Delectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delectation. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
