Definition of palatablenext
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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 Kuala Lumpur is around a one-hour flight from Singapore, reducing the logistical headache for teams and making the demands of a tripleheader more palatable. Luke Smith, New York Times, 26 July 2026 Musicians have long sought to give form to the formless, unconstrained yet palatable, inspirational and divine. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 21 July 2026 The idea is to strategically moderate on certain cultural issues in order to become more palatable to mistrustful constituencies. Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026 Two rookies starting on the offensive line in Week 1 isn’t all that appealing, but with Fortner starting over Hecht (and/or Samac), in theory, Freeling could be a much more palatable option on the blind side on opening weekend. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for palatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatable
Adjective
  • The psoriasis was everywhere on my body but my face was okay.
    Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The first Guardians made Marvel Studios feel okay with getting weird, but a more confident sequel was required to maximize the concept’s strange potential.
    EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The café-bar is a pleasant enough hangout with slate-gray walls punched with color, shelves of artsy souvenirs, and design magazines worth browsing, but the surrounding streets are stacked with great dining options.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Now diners can savor the nuances of masa from all over Mexico – Oaxaca, Tlaxcala, Yucatan, Campeche – either indoors or in the pleasant, outdoor parklet.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
Adjective
  • Start your day with a delicious coffee and a pastry—two things that locals take very seriously—at one of its many hip cafés (Hart Bakery is one of the best).
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • These cookies are not only delicious, but have a rich history, too.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Drain crushed pineapple through a fine mesh strainer set over a small bowl.
    Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Those willing to spend the day — and night — outside could witness some of the finest skywatching 2026 has to offer.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Overall, the experience was most enjoyable, and the views surprisingly good.
    Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Investing in breathable, water-repellent, and sun-protective clothing can make all the difference between an enjoyable hike and a challenging one.
    Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Because dependency, when presented with good lighting and a tasteful logo, can look exactly like progress.
    Edward Morris, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Restaurateur Franco Pierre Weber has a tasteful card on each table thanking patrons for not wearing gym attire, bathing suits, T-shirts and baseball hats.
    Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • The kids are not alright, or even right in the head in Serbian drama 3 Weeks After.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2026
  • Know that things are gonna be alright, and there is definitely a bright future ahead.
    Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Attempting to be all things to all people is a recipe for feeling burnt out and resentful, and your best people-pleasing efforts could surely backfire.
    Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
  • In fact, these shrubs develop the most pleasing shape without any shearing or shaping.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Palatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatable. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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