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.
Passports are still an acceptable form of identification for both domestic and international air travel, and non-REAL ID compliant licenses are still valid for driving and other identification purposes outside of the federal requirements. Devon M. Sayers, CNN Money, 20 Nov. 2025 On what planet is this kind of insult considered acceptable behavior, whether by the leader of a country ― or a guy standing on the street? Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 18 Nov. 2025 Yet such attitudes foster an atmosphere of tolerance, signaling that violence is acceptable and enabling its continuation. Justin Pickett, The Conversation, 17 Nov. 2025 At least one of these positions should be held by an opposition nominee, and another by a figure acceptable to both sides. Francisco Rodríguez, Foreign Affairs, 17 Nov. 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 24 Nov. 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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