contented

adjective

con·​tent·​ed kən-ˈten-təd 

: feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation

a contented smile

They lived a contented life.

contentedly adverb

contentedness noun

Synonyms

• content
• gratified
• happy
• pleased
• satisfied

Examples of contented in a Sentence

She felt peaceful and contented.

having had her fill of candy, the contented girl sank back into the easy chair and dozed off

Recent Examples on the Web

The resulting pictures seem to depict families in cramped but contented circumstances—doting relatives beaming at a child, a man reading a newspaper, spectators watching a baseball game against a backdrop of mountains. —Jake Whitney, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024

Nicky’s asleep because exhaustion is a hallmark of the contented child — making core memories is hard work. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024

Open markets were supposed to fuel rising prosperity at home and abroad, and the ascent of contented middle classes would presumably advance democratization, including in China and Russia. —Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 2 Mar. 2021

Those who worried more before the encounter felt happier or more contented afterward. —Francine Russo, Scientific American, 5 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from past participle of contenten "to content entry 3"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing contented

• self-contented

Kids Definition

contented

adjective

con·​tent·​ed kən-ˈtent-əd 

: satisfied with one's possessions or situation in life

contentedly adverb

contentedness noun