acceptable

adjective

ac·​cept·​able ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl How to pronounce acceptable (audio)
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
2
a
: welcome, pleasing
Compliments are always acceptable.
b
: barely satisfactory or adequate
The performances varied from excellent to acceptable.
acceptability noun
acceptableness noun
acceptably
ik-ˈsep-tə-blē How to pronounce acceptable (audio)
ak-
 also  ek-
adverb

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
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.
These burger spirals are an acceptable gluten-free solution: They’re made with rice paper wrappers. Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 7 Aug. 2025 But critics see this as a way for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration to ban more books and circumvent state law, which gives school districts the job of determining which books are acceptable for school libraries. Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2025 Air quality readings across the state range from unhealthy to acceptable, with the worst in the western Upper Peninsula, southeast Michigan, and mid-Michigan. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 6 Aug. 2025 In the early decades, Telluride Mushroom Festival attracted a niche cohort of people willing to push the boundaries of what was scientifically acceptable. Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for acceptable

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin acceptābilis, from Latin acceptāre "to accept" + -bilis "capable of (being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of acceptable was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acceptable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acceptable. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

acceptable

adjective
ac·​cept·​able ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl How to pronounce acceptable (audio)
ak-
1
: capable or worthy of being accepted : satisfactory
an acceptable excuse
2
: barely good enough
plays an acceptable game
acceptability noun
acceptably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on acceptable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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