satisfactory

adjective

sat·​is·​fac·​to·​ry ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce satisfactory (audio)
Synonyms of satisfactorynext
: giving satisfaction : adequate
a satisfactory performance
satisfactorily
ˌsa-təs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rə-lē How to pronounce satisfactory (audio)
adverb
satisfactoriness noun

Synonyms of satisfactory

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of satisfactory in a Sentence

The job requires a satisfactory level of performance. Results are less satisfactory than had been anticipated. He gave a satisfactory account of how the accident had happened. The movie was brought to a satisfactory close. His work has been satisfactory, but not outstanding.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Esther’s sudden fortune and failure — which arrives via mail in two envelopes on the same day — is unrealistic, and her story isn’t resolved in a satisfactory way at the end. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2026 For the city, the move represents a satisfactory but temporary solution to a months-long dispute over the market’s location that came to a head last week. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 But Olson cautioned people that investigations don’t guarantee a satisfactory outcome for consumers. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 This is the first incident that has been reported for Viajes Azteca, which has a satisfactory safety rating, according to KCBS. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for satisfactory

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of satisfactory was in 1576

Browse Nearby Words

satisfactoriness
satisfactory
satisfiable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Satisfactory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/satisfactory. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

satisfactory

adjective
sat·​is·​fac·​to·​ry ˌsat-əs-ˈfak-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce satisfactory (audio)
: giving satisfaction
satisfactorily
-t(ə-)rə-lē How to pronounce satisfactory (audio)
adverb
satisfactoriness
-t(ə-)rē-nəs
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of conscientious

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All