acceptable
adjective
ac·cept·able
ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl 
ak-
also ek-
1
: capable or worthy of being accepted
an acceptable noise level
socially acceptable behavior
a compromise that is acceptable to both sides
Synonyms of acceptable
Examples of acceptable in a Sentence
acceptable and unacceptable noise levels
It was an acceptable performance, although not an outstanding one.
She plays an acceptable game of tennis.
Recent Examples on the Web
The best time to prune is during spring and summer for optimal recovery; however, a light trim is acceptable any time if the plant is healthy.
—
Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
Most of the time, a child who is shoving at the playground or refusing to take turns with the blocks at daycare is just testing the boundaries of acceptable behavior.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 5 Feb. 2026
There are several acceptable forms of identification that TSA will accept at the airport.
—Emery Glover, Des Moines Register, 5 Feb. 2026
The belief that swing voters in Texas are too racist and sexist to be compromised with implies that defeat is the only morally acceptable option.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for acceptable
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Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
Most of the time, a child who is shoving at the playground or refusing to take turns with the blocks at daycare is just testing the boundaries of acceptable behavior.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 5 Feb. 2026
There are several acceptable forms of identification that TSA will accept at the airport.
—Emery Glover, Des Moines Register, 5 Feb. 2026
The belief that swing voters in Texas are too racist and sexist to be compromised with implies that defeat is the only morally acceptable option.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for acceptable
Cite this Entry
“Acceptable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acceptable. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
acceptable
adjective
ac·cept·able
ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl
ak-
1
: capable or worthy of being accepted : satisfactory
an acceptable excuse
2
: barely good enough
plays an acceptable game
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