Definition of satisfynext
1
as in to alleviate
to put a complete end to (a physical need or desire) the players satisfied their hunger after the game with a big pasta dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5
as in to compensate
to provide (someone) with a just payment for loss or injury the owners of the restaurant were generously satisfied for any business lost during the filming

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word satisfy distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of satisfy are compensate, indemnify, pay, recompense, reimburse, remunerate, and repay. While all these words mean "to give money or its equivalent in return for something," satisfy implies paying a person what is required by law.

all creditors will be satisfied in full

When would compensate be a good substitute for satisfy?

The words compensate and satisfy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, compensate implies a making up for services rendered.

an attorney well compensated for her services

When could indemnify be used to replace satisfy?

The synonyms indemnify and satisfy are sometimes interchangeable, but indemnify implies making good a loss suffered through accident, disaster, warfare.

indemnified the families of the dead miners

When is it sensible to use pay instead of satisfy?

Although the words pay and satisfy have much in common, pay implies the discharge of an obligation incurred.

paid their bills

Where would recompense be a reasonable alternative to satisfy?

While in some cases nearly identical to satisfy, recompense suggests due return in amends, friendly repayment, or reward.

passengers were recompensed for the delay

When is reimburse a more appropriate choice than satisfy?

While the synonyms reimburse and satisfy are close in meaning, reimburse implies a return of money that has been spent for another's benefit.

reimbursed employees for expenses

When can remunerate be used instead of satisfy?

The words remunerate and satisfy can be used in similar contexts, but remunerate clearly suggests paying for services rendered and may extend to payment that is generous or not contracted for.

promised to remunerate the searchers handsomely

When might repay be a better fit than satisfy?

The meanings of repay and satisfy largely overlap; however, repay stresses paying back an equivalent in kind or amount.

repay a favor with a favor

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 satisfy There are three ways to satisfy the requirement. Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 18 May 2026 The Beatles only made three more films, largely to satisfy contractual obligations. Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 May 2026 Videri Chocolate Factory Get a front row seat to the chocolate-making process and satisfy your sweet tooth at Videri Chocolate Factory. Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2026 This recipe is the one to reach for to serve and satisfy a crowd. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for satisfy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satisfy
Verb
  • Experts and officials say the progress is largely thanks to the billions of dollars in public spending statewide, expanding street outreach, boosting rental assistance and converting motels into shelters and supportive housing, among other efforts to alleviate homelessness.
    Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
  • Alternatively, suggesting that the chat switch mediums (from iMessage to email, for example) may also alleviate some of the pressure to read or respond immediately to messages.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • University of Illinois graduate Fred Hatch convinced his father, Lewis Hatch, to build up instead of down on the family’s farm near Spring Grove in McHenry County.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
  • Roy said the biggest challenge may be convincing Angelenos to cast a vote at all in what has historically been a low-turnout, down-ballot contest.
    Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • The casual-natured yet sharp staff seem genuinely happy to be working in frigid, off-grid Antarctica, and someone’s always around to fulfill a request, answer questions or engage in organic chit-chat in the main hub.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
  • By nearly all industry metrics, Colbert has fulfilled the job duties he was given — and then some.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • The band isn’t worried about label expectations or pleasing mainstream audiences.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2026
  • Anyone with information about Nancy's disappearance is asked to please contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
    Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • But Detroit’s damning offensive flaws, which its defense compensated for during the regular season, were exposed by the Cavs.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • Last week, Oklahoma lawmakers passed a bill introduced by the Merediths’ state senator, Avery Frix, that would create a fund to compensate homeowners whose houses have been damaged by oil and gas pollution.
    Nick Bowlin, ProPublica, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Will Frances throw over Jol for Bill from True Blood, or is her thirst for vengeance not yet slaked?
    Alice Burton, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Rain and snow will likely continue to slake the Salt River basin.
    Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The goal of securing an indictment is no longer, as Justice Department regulations still require, to put together a case strong enough to persuade a jury to convict.
    Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
  • As Memorial Day weekend approaches, forecasts of plentiful sunshine may persuade many Southern Californians to strip down to their bathing suits — but researchers are warning of unsanitary waters at some local beaches.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • The country aims to keep Tiangong, which is about 20% as massive as the International Space Station, permanently inhabited for at least a decade.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 24 May 2026
  • This primer, however, keeps them in place, without clogging pores or making your skin feel heavy.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 24 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Satisfy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satisfy. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

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