contentment

noun

con·​tent·​ment kən-ˈtent-mənt How to pronounce contentment (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being contented
There was a look of contentment on her face.
2
: something that contents
… states that allow their muscles to spoil them and their contentments to enfeeble them.The New Republic

Example Sentences

He believes that people can find peace and contentment in living simply. There was a look of perfect contentment on her face.
Recent Examples on the Web And indeed, other research into the science of happiness has found that other aspects of life, from community to hobbies, has a measurable impact on contentment. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2023 In Costa Rica, residents proudly talk about the country’s pura vida (pure life) — a heartfelt mindset to appreciate simple contentment. Laura Manske, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023 Try Alchemy Natural's Intimacy Gummies today for an improved intimate life plus complete health contentment. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2023 And familiarity — which breeds contentment as easily as contempt — is in part the point. Robert Lloydtelevision Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2023 May the month of the Quran bring contentment to your heart. Manal Aman, Woman's Day, 25 Jan. 2023 That kind of attitude is exactly the thing that can help transform a culture of contentment into one of competition. Greg Moore, The Arizona Republic, 14 Feb. 2023 The positions convey different meanings — such as overcoming fears, feeling protected, finding peace and calm, healing suffering, and summoning contentment and happiness. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Feb. 2023 Stretched out before Brady is his road to contentment. Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 13 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'contentment.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English contentement "satisfaction of a claim or debt," borrowed from Anglo-French, from contenter "to satisfy, content entry 3" + -ment -ment

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contentment was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near contentment

Cite this Entry

“Contentment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contentment. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

contentment

noun
con·​tent·​ment kən-ˈtent-mənt How to pronounce contentment (audio)
: freedom from worry or restlessness : peaceful satisfaction

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