pleasure 1 of 2

noun

ˈple-zhər How to pronounce pleasure (audio)
Definition of pleasurenext
1
as in enjoyment
the feeling experienced when one's wishes are met nothing gives me more pleasure than a hot meal after a long day

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in joy
a source of great satisfaction the new car is a real pleasure to drive

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in delight
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment a good-humored girl who's a pleasure to be around

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pleasure

2 of 2

verb

as in to delight
to give satisfaction to a wine that is sure to pleasure even the most discriminating palate

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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 pleasure
Noun
Comedy capers like this usually deflate in the third act when their pleasures get punctured by unfunny gunfire. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026 But as any novelist can tell you, there’s real pleasure in emerging from the solitary act of writing into the conversation of being edited. — Keziah Weir, Vanity Fair, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
The suspect was also seen exposing and pleasuring himself in a nearby parking lot, according to BSO. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026 Sophie has spent so long this season being a role of service, and for Benedict to now be washing her hair and then pleasuring her felt like a really nice switcheroo that Sophie deeply deserved. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pleasure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleasure
  1. enjoyment
  2. joy
  3. delight
  4. please
  5. contentment
  6. entertainment
  7. satisfy
  8. satisfaction
Noun
  • The survey revealed that when parents evaluate family-friendly retail and experiences, fun and enjoyment (68 percent) and spending time together (66 percent) ranked higher than price and affordability (60 percent).
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Audiences will likely get more out of it if they’re caught up on the entire franchise, but that is not required for enjoyment and understanding.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of enjoyment
Noun
  • Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Your goals can hold more joy with the right adjustment.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The scenes radiate the joy of being young, attractive, and filled with infinite free time and minimal distractions except the open sky above you.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of joy
Noun
  • There’s a nice localised touch via a railway footbridge on the approach depicting the highs of Southampton’s football history and the delights of the city centre, particularly Oxford Street, can be enjoyed before strolling on to the match.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • That said, books are still a hugely important part of my life and a delight.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of delight
Verb
  • Raised in a multi-religious home, her identity was forged by questions of what is haram and what would please Jesus.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Alicent will not be pleased by the death of her innocent daughter.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of please
Noun
  • The poetry of this movie, in short, is in Dafoe, who gives his finest performance in years—a long trek from bliss to despair to disillusionment, and finally to the odd contentment and consolation that disillusionment often brings.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
  • While there’s no direct translation in English, this cornerstone of Danish culture describes a feeling of coziness and contentment.
    — Yerin Kim, InStyle, 27 July 2026
Definition of contentment
Noun
  • Sony Vizha will combine original fiction, global reality formats, movies and tentpole entertainment across television and digital platforms ahead of its October debut.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Airlines around the world are currently plagued by delays in their efforts to deliver new premium offerings — including increasing passenger demand for privacy, high-tech connectivity and inflight entertainment — to meet the surge in air travel.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of entertainment
Verb
  • Or, at the very least, set aside assets that can be liquidated to satisfy the guarantee even if that means that some assets will not be fully deployed to gain additional leverage.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • But some observers believe there’s nothing Paramount could agree to that would satisfy the state AGs or other opponents of the deal.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of satisfy
Noun
  • Redefining success based on present values can reveal greater satisfaction and prevent unnecessary further career shifts, suggesting the issue often lies in the standard of evaluation, not the job itself.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But between navigating selective palates, food allergies, social media-worthy lunchbox inspiration, food noise, and the inevitable comparisons with classmates, striking a balance between sustenance and satisfaction can quickly become overwhelming.
    — Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of satisfaction

Browse Nearby Words

pleasurably
pleasure
pleasured
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Cite this Entry

“Pleasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleasure. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pleasure

Nglish: Translation of pleasure for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pleasure

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