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
Two months later, the Shah, suffering from cancer, fled Iran and commenced the indignity of travelling from one country to the next, looking for an acceptable place of exile.
—
David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026
The danger is that in the rush to remove a strongman, outside powers elevate leaders who are more acceptable internationally but no more accountable domestically.
—Rick Singh, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
The current policy for ICE and DHS agents outlines very narrow acceptable reasons for an officer to fire a weapon into a moving vehicle.
—Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Once the option becomes available, travelers who have lost their identification or do not have an acceptable form of ID will be able to verify their identity through TSA ConfirmID before boarding domestic flights.
—Maykel Gonzalez, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for acceptable
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David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026
The danger is that in the rush to remove a strongman, outside powers elevate leaders who are more acceptable internationally but no more accountable domestically.
—Rick Singh, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
The current policy for ICE and DHS agents outlines very narrow acceptable reasons for an officer to fire a weapon into a moving vehicle.
—Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Once the option becomes available, travelers who have lost their identification or do not have an acceptable form of ID will be able to verify their identity through TSA ConfirmID before boarding domestic flights.
—Maykel Gonzalez, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 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 15 Jan. 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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