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as in pleasant
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses I always associate the palatable aroma of roasting turkey with Thanksgiving

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word palatable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of palatable are appetizing, savory, tasty, and toothsome. While all these words mean "agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste," palatable often applies to something that is found to be merely agreeable.

butterflies that birds find palatable

When could appetizing be used to replace palatable?

In some situations, the words appetizing and palatable are roughly equivalent. However, appetizing suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste.

appetizing hors d'oeuvres

When would savory be a good substitute for palatable?

The meanings of savory and palatable largely overlap; however, savory applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness.

dumplings with savory fillings

When is it sensible to use tasty instead of palatable?

The words tasty and palatable can be used in similar contexts, but tasty implies a pronounced taste.

a tart and tasty pie

In what contexts can toothsome take the place of palatable?

While the synonyms toothsome and palatable are close in meaning, toothsome stresses the notion of agreeableness and sometimes implies tenderness or daintiness.

an enticing array of toothsome desserts

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of palatable However, other ingredients were added to make the bars more palatable. Sarah Garone, Health, 29 May 2025 Choose from a chair or lounger with pockets and cupholders—both are comfortable and beach-friendly—and enjoy a hands-free experience that will make set-up and tear-down much more palatable. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 28 May 2025 Many add cream and sugar to make coffee more palatable. Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 28 May 2025 While the timing off the surgery was a bit unusual, Tremble’s importance to the lineup — and the quick turnaround for rehabilitation — made the decision palatable to the organization. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for palatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatable
Adjective
  • Comedy is also having a moment because of people are looking for a pleasant escape given the political nightmare currently gripping this nation.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • This modern adaptation of a traditional country farmhouse features a welcoming front porch, which has ample room for two or three people to sit and relax on a pleasant day.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • Willem Dafoe as Rat in Fantastic Mr. Fox Willem Dafoe has delicious fun voicing Rat, the sinister security guard who menaces Fox and his cohorts.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
  • The Five-Star Weekend centers on Hollis Shaw (Garner), a famed food influencer known for her delicious recipes, impeccable taste, and warm demeanor, who suffers a devastating loss.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to her passion for making tasteful and affordable accessories, Scott has a heart for philanthropy.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • The model became especially attractive when the popular convertible was translated into the beautiful MGB-GT 2+2 coupé—a tasteful hatchback adaptation by Pininfarina—introduced in 1965.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • On Sunday evening, Broadway’s finest, including George Clooney, Mia Farrow, Lea Michele and Tonys host Cynthia Erivo, gathered outside of Radio City Music Hall under a covered red carpet, avoiding the dreary New York City weather.
    Emily Burns, Footwear News, 9 June 2025
  • Under his watchful eye, the new site will spotlight the finest talents in the region.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • His stage delivery is pleasing and his topic is beyond fascinating.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • The caviar is pleasing to look at, with a dark-brown and amber hue, and the flavor is like the ocean concentrated into a tiny drop—in the very best way.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The beautiful foliage and edible lavender-blue flowers also enhance the beauty of garden beds and containers.
    Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2025
  • Hemp's federal legalization would apply to products such as grains, oil, nuts, fiber and some edible leaves but not cannabinoid products.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • While the absurd shenanigans are fun, the real joy is watching a delightful del Toro and refreshing Threapleton navigating the oddly heartfelt family reconnection.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 5 June 2025
  • Barack Obama is the most unbelievably delightful man.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Multiple audits — including one presented to the supervisors last month — found the company has continuously fallen short of the 90-95% compliance rate needed for a satisfactory rating.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
  • Father’s Day tends to carry the rep of being a lower-key celebration, with a satisfactory time including food and beverages, maybe a clothing item, and peace and quiet.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Palatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatable. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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