acceptable

adjective

ac·​cept·​able ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl How to pronounce acceptable (audio)
ak-
also ek-
Synonyms of acceptablenext
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.
The state says acceptable proof may include a driver’s license that matches the registration, a vehicle title, a lease agreement or an insurance card that lists you as a named insured. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026 Instead, Moderna used the smaller trial to compare immune responses of mRNA-1010 to a high-dose vaccine—which was a plan the FDA had previously agreed would be acceptable. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 18 June 2026 If the only acceptable causes are the ones that matter to the founder, participation often becomes performative rather than meaningful. Kris Putnam-Walkerly, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Only in that way can the disempowerment of elders occur on acceptable terms, and therefore occur at all. Literary Hub, 18 June 2026 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 Jun. 2026.

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

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