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 Companies have plenty of incentives to make that advertising palatable to consumers, but Ireland believes ads will play a role one way or another. — Allison Johnson, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026 My task was to comment on which might be most palatable—or least offensive—to the fair’s usual client base. — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 Manning, Moore, Carr, Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin can put the league on hold for another year, with name, image and likeness money making that delay more palatable. — Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Butternut squash skins are in the middle; some people may find the roasted skin palatable, but others will not. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 13 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for palatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatable
Adjective
  • And just remember that ​question for ⁠a couple of days from now, okay?
    — Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The police officer, whose name has not been released, was transported to a Plano hospital with a gunshot wound to the arm and is expected to be okay, officials told CBS News Texas.
    — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Jacaranda trees bloom in purple across the city’s streets and parks, making wandering between neighborhoods in search of milongas (tango dance halls) especially pleasant.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
  • In a world of endless technical advancement, who could have predicted that the greatest luxury of all would be a pleasant conversation with a human?
    — Anna van Praagh, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • This recipe for double crust apple pie delivers a mix of tart and sweet along with cinnamon that is crispy, delicious and is worth the indulgence.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Refrigerated tortellini is one of the fastest ways to turn plain broth into a satiating, delicious meal.
    — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 24 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • As a Relais & Chateaux property, fine dining takes center stage.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The two designers have launched a collaboration featuring 18-karat yellow gold and diamond button studs and collar tips created for Savas’ signature Allen denim shirt, bringing together fine jewelry craftsmanship and American workwear.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • By redesigning the work product—an important element of the daily routines—work became more enjoyable for the employees.
    — Deborah Lovich, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Once night falls and the Delta breeze carries away any remaining daytime warmth, climbing becomes a far more enjoyable experience.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • This timeless tote is a tasteful gift for someone who commutes or travels often.
    — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The silhouette stays true to its legacy with a tasteful, low-profile, soft leather upper, suede overlays and gum sole.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But the bigger takeaway may be the sense that the kids are alright, musically-speaking.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
  • When looking for symptoms, anything can become suspect; and when comfort is sought, anything can look alright.
    — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • John’s overall verdict was that the Beats Pill provides a potent mix at a pleasing price—made even more satisfying with this 33% discount at Amazon.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Meta has collaborated with Kylie Jenner and Ray-Ban to make their controversial AI glasses more aesthetically pleasing, and real robots are closer than ever before to the world of fashion.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Palatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatable. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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