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

palatable

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adjective

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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
The Palestinians being floated to join efforts to administer Gaza seem selected primarily for their palatability to foreign governments. Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025 Categories that don’t deliver on validation, simplicity and palatability often struggle to scale. Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
However, when compared to the salaries of other starting quarterbacks, Young’s fifth year is palatable. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026 Irish nationalists had rebelled against British rule for hundreds of years, but revolution started to become more palatable to the larger public during World War I, according to Sean Farrell, a history professor at Northern Illinois University and 19th century Irish historian. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for palatability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatability
Noun
  • Tuaolo blends traditional Samoan and Hawaiian influences into every menu item for a body-fueling and soul-enriching line up of deliciousness in a fast-casual setting.
    Joie Probst, Midwest Living, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Their insalata russa—a classic local specialty of crunchy vegetables tossed in mayo, with the luxurious addition of Mazara red shrimp from Sicily—is an explosion of deliciousness.
    CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Those victims, police said, faced non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to be okay.
    Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 6 May 2026
  • When the fans started really going after Amanda, Kathy reached out to see if Amanda was okay.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Every song hits with the same indistinguishable gush of pleasant pixels.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 8 May 2026
  • For a quieter and just as pleasant alternative, October through December offers comfy temperatures and a highly enjoyable local’s vibe.
    Christina Pérez, Vogue, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Take care not to overmix; keeping some larger pieces of tuna in the mix ensures a more satisfying texture, rather than something closer to tuna salad (delicious, just not the goal here).
    Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 May 2026
  • Le Petit Paris Counter-service breakfast and lunch orders get the French touch at this delicious bakery and cafe in an Atlantic Beach strip mall.
    Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Tumbleweed’s lone saving grace is the edibility of its young shoots.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 Feb. 2026
  • The edibility status of Amanita muscaria is complicated.
    Matt Kasson, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Once, French cuisine had a lock on fine dining in this city.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • Nick Blankenburg has been fine in the D-corps, but from a physicality standpoint, Josh Manson can’t get back quickly enough.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • Stay flexible, adjust lightly, and let what feels enjoyable lead.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
  • In those cases, purchasing certain flowers from seedlings or tubers might be more practical and enjoyable.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Within minutes, Mars was already drenched in sweat — not tasteful celebrity perspiration, but full-body, someone-get-this-man-a-Gatorade sweat.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Beyond days at home, Peet’s character knows how to craft a tasteful look that oozes charm.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Palatability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatability. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

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