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
Starting on May 7, 2025, all domestic passengers must present a Real ID-compliant drivers license or other other acceptable forms of identification.
—
Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 19 Dec. 2025
And looking away because the problem is complex, or politically inconvenient, is no longer acceptable.
—Thomas McInerney, Fortune, 19 Dec. 2025
Under the program, passengers without a REAL ID or other acceptable identification can verify their identity for a non-refundable $45 fee, which covers a 10-day travel window — allowing for round-trip flights.
—CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
Cane syrup, molasses, sorghum syrup, and local honey are all acceptable ways to add some sugar to a Southern plate, and most readers called out brands that are made right here in the South, like Golden Eagle Syrup from Alabama, Blackburn Syrup from Texas, and Steen’s Syrup from Louisiana.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acceptable
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Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 19 Dec. 2025
And looking away because the problem is complex, or politically inconvenient, is no longer acceptable.
—Thomas McInerney, Fortune, 19 Dec. 2025
Under the program, passengers without a REAL ID or other acceptable identification can verify their identity for a non-refundable $45 fee, which covers a 10-day travel window — allowing for round-trip flights.
—CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
Cane syrup, molasses, sorghum syrup, and local honey are all acceptable ways to add some sugar to a Southern plate, and most readers called out brands that are made right here in the South, like Golden Eagle Syrup from Alabama, Blackburn Syrup from Texas, and Steen’s Syrup from Louisiana.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for acceptable
Cite this Entry
“Acceptable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acceptable. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.
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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