palatability 1 of 2

Definition of palatabilitynext
as in deliciousness
the quality of being delicious military rations that were obviously chosen for their durability and not their palatability

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 palatability
Noun
Research shows the companies’ shift toward hyper-palatability. Sarah Todd, STAT, 6 Feb. 2026 The functional beverage industry has made gut health more accessible in terms of convenience and palatability, but the price point remains a barrier for many consumers. Sara Braun, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Dec. 2025
Adjective
Further, what would make Carlsson’s inflated salary more palatable in Philadelphia is that Briere has managed to keep salaries down for other key players. Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 8 July 2026 Many of the costumes directly imagine a world where a rock star can feel less burdened by the concept of appearing palatable — or passing for straight — to sell mainstream records. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for palatability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatability
Noun
  • Soccer fans coming to the US for the World Cup are discovering the deliciousness of ranch dressing and trying to bring bottles home in their luggage.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 24 June 2026
  • This helps keep them moist and adds another layer of deliciousness.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Refrigerating avocados in the vegetable drawer can extend their freshness while maintaining their green color and edibility.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 May 2026
  • Tumbleweed’s lone saving grace is the edibility of its young shoots.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Palatability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatability. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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