SATISFY Synonyms: 206 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

satisfy

verb

ˈsa-təs-ˌfī

Definition of satisfy next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to convince

to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest requests it took me a while to satisfy my attorney that I had good grounds for a lawsuit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to fulfill

to do what is required by the terms of the contractor had clearly failed to satisfy the terms of the agreement

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to please

to give satisfaction to a hot dinner and a relaxing massage never fails to satisfy her after a long week at work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Perfect for lunchboxes, on-the-go snacking, or an anytime indulgence, these pies will satisfy chocolate lovers or fans of classic flavors. —

Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026 Live music, resort events, and a welcoming upstate atmosphere will satisfy all your off-the-grid cravings as an urbanite or Skaneateles resident. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026 Rarely strong enough to satisfy those who demand them, presidential statements are virtually certain to alienate those who disagree. —

Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026 All fare is prepared from scratch, with satisfying burgers, sandwiches, and salads on the menu. —

Linnea Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for satisfy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for satisfy

Verb

Duren shoved Diabate’s face, and despite people on both sides trying to alleviate the tension, the usually mild-mannered Diabate kept trying to find Duren again.

— Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Oil prices dipped on Tuesday on signs that talks between the US and Iran are alleviating the risk of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, even as the US continues to ramp up pressure on Russia’s oil exports.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 10 Feb. 2026

Definition of alleviate

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satisfies

satisfy

satisfying

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“Satisfy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/satisfy. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 16 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of satisfy

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