Definition of satisfy
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

Synonym Chooser

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 The court sent unresolved questions about whether the warrant in that case satisfied constitutional requirements back to a lower court. Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 Instead, Capcom is emphasizing satisfying swordplay and a more traditional action-adventure structure. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Mehrotra said Micron still can't produce enough to satisfy demand. Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026 Seed saving is an easy, satisfying way to keep your garden growing strong year after year. Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for satisfy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for satisfy
Verb
  • Jaissle is looking to bring in an experienced midfielder to succeed Guimaraes, with Manchester City’s Nico Gonzalez a clear target, which should alleviate some of the expectation on Steur.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Arriaga came to Hemphill’s practice for a routine procedure to alleviate a tongue tie.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But taken together, this was quite the week of pandering candidate theatrics and not exactly the precursor to what should be a serious campaign to convince voters of the best candidate to run a city that needs a turnaround agent.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Ellen Evans and Gina Alves told Dateline the family was convinced of Lewis’ involvement.
    Annalise Peterson, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The government is yet to fulfil a promise that women will be issued licenses to ride motorbikes.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Music has a unique ability to bring people together, and knowing this concert can have a meaningful impact beyond the stage is incredibly fulfilling.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • That’s why this list includes both heavy, high fill powers and light inserts that will please even the hottest sleepers.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Wrestlers having legitimate issues backstage has led to multiple feuds that people-pleasing AEW President Tony Khan could not control.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Both involve players compensated for playing football, and feature teams that generate millions in revenue and pursue players for their labor services.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The Port Authority is clearly trying to compensate for the mazelike layout.
    Anne Kadet, Curbed, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Bangkok’s thirst for new rooftop cocktail bars is being slaked these days at Sanctuary, which offers a view of the glimmering Sukhumvit strip — Bangkok’s Broadway — 34 floors below.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Reacher and Green run into a hotel and persuade the staff to lock the doors, claiming there’s an active shooter outside.
    Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
  • In March, one of DraftKings’ cofounders, Matthew Kalish, stepped down as president—but not before persuading the board to approve a series of potentially lucrative deals to benefit his new marketing company.
    Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The fewer than 200 attendees at last week’s semi-secret session in the museum’s intimate Clive Davis Theater had done a good job of helping keep the nature of the performance under wraps until now.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Because something unexpected could impact your money or your possession, keep your eyes open!
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Satisfy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satisfy. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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