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 That said, the audio advertisements are fairly palatable since LiveOne has a clock icon at the bottom of the screen that counts down to the next audio ad break. Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 28 July 2026 In refusing to become that woman, both Catherine and Alice turn into something less palatable. Alison Herman, Variety, 27 July 2026 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 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
  • Once the trailer made its way on TikTok, women flooded the comment sections in pleasant confusion, and their reactions did not disappoint.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The briny, slightly sweet and smoky ham notes in these slices make for an enjoyable, pleasant bite — for those who love ham.
    Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • What about delicious gourmands, warm solar scents, or conversely, earthy notes grounded in fresh greens and wood?
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Twelve slices of bacon are bound to make anything delicious, and our Cowboy Cornbread from the August 1981 issue of the magazine is no exception.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The five-time Pro Bowler had one of his finest statistical seasons last year, allowing only 15 pressures on 491 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
    Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • It’s made of premium—think fine-gauge fibers that don’t itch—merino wool, a naturally thermoregulating material.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 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
  • Timeless, traditional, and tasteful, wells have been around for centuries.
    Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Because dependency, when presented with good lighting and a tasteful logo, can look exactly like progress.
    Edward Morris, Forbes.com, 28 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
  • That’s changed over the last decade or so, but this 1940s property in Hither Hills is an authentic, and aesthetically pleasing, reminder of its older days.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Directed by Bai Xue, the crowd-pleasing drama, released in China last month, stars Yeoh as a septuagenarian who discovers a late-life gift for speedcubing, or competitive puzzle-solving.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Palatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatable. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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