contentment

noun

con·​tent·​ment kən-ˈtent-mənt 

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

Synonyms

• content
• contentedness
• delectation
• delight
• enjoyment
• gladness
• gratification
• happiness
• pleasure
• relish
• satisfaction

Examples of contentment in a Sentence

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

Douglas smiles, his face settling into wisdom and contentment that might be described as Franklin-esque. —Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024

Today we are filled with a peace and contentment that only the Lord can provide. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2024

In addition to lowering cortisol, a warm bath can calm the nervous system by encouraging the body to release neurotransmitters like serotonin, which contribute to feelings of contentment and well-being. —Georgia Day, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2024

For example, in the U.S, here are the needs by order of importance and the gaps: Comfort – Having an environment that allows feelings of contentment and ease. —Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

In fact, most Xers (61%) have generally positive views on aging and generally high levels of contentment regarding their family, work, and well-being. —Chloe Berger, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024

Multiple voices and instruments Antonoff’s open-hearted ode, with the saxophone blasts that have highlighted recent Bleachers singles turned into wandering thoughts and feelings; soon enough, the song collapses into a warm puddle of guitar, capturing a feeling of exhausted contentment. —Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 23 Feb. 2024

After the Chiefs rallied past the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 Sunday night to become the NFL’s first repeat champion in nearly 20 years — and the first team to win consecutive Super Bowls as underdogs — Kelce was quick to show there’s not an ounce of contentment in K.C. —Arnie Stapleton, The Denver Post, 13 Feb. 2024

Take the road that leads to contentment and personal happiness. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2024

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

Phrases Containing contentment

• self-contentment

Kids Definition

contentment

noun

con·​tent·​ment kən-ˈtent-mənt 

: freedom from worry or restlessness : peaceful satisfaction