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
His voice waxed poetic about Louisiana and its beauty while also critiquing the cliches rendered as the only acceptable terms to discuss a place that exceeds description.
—
Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
While cash is preferred by many technicians, tipping in other forms is acceptable if the option exists.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026
That should not be acceptable in modern medicine.
—Samantha Bonsack, STAT, 18 Feb. 2026
On the first wet dress rehearsal, NASA was able to load the SLS rocket core and upper stages with 700,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX), but during the final test countdown run, an LH2 supply line leak into the core stage exceeded acceptable limits and cut the test short.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for acceptable
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Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
While cash is preferred by many technicians, tipping in other forms is acceptable if the option exists.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026
That should not be acceptable in modern medicine.
—Samantha Bonsack, STAT, 18 Feb. 2026
On the first wet dress rehearsal, NASA was able to load the SLS rocket core and upper stages with 700,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX), but during the final test countdown run, an LH2 supply line leak into the core stage exceeded acceptable limits and cut the test short.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 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 21 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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