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 Good creative work involves pushing boundaries, not simply coming up with something that’s passable and palatable. Ahmed Elgammal, The Conversation, 27 Apr. 2026 Democrats have rewritten their last remaining homeschooling bill in an effort to make the legislation palatable enough to clear the House. Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026 Nine’s creaking, warbling cadence makes for a Thug/Carti hybrid that’s distinct but still close enough to be familiar and palatable. Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 16 Apr. 2026 This made its feminism a little more palatable. Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for palatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatable
Adjective
  • The students are okay, per the outlet, which cited district officials.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Authorities say all six students are expected to be okay.
    Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The day Chunhyang and Mongryong met each other for the first time was exceptionally pleasant.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
  • The fruit is sweet with pleasant, slightly tangy undertones.
    Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Ahead, discover our perfect Mother’s Day gifts for every type of mom, including design-forward decor, luxurious linens, delicious fragrances, accents for the outdoors, and even a few last-minute Mother’s Day gift ideas (After all, a gift box goes a long way).
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
  • Their 2022 Pinot Noir has enticing aromas of cherry cola, cinnamon, and red raspberry that lead to delicious flavors of cherry, raspberry, cranberry, and brown baking spices.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • The fine points of class-action law were, of course, less influential than Crenshaw’s insistence on paying close attention to the way Black women were treated by the courts, and the essay’s most memorable lines were broader categorical claims.
    Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Great White’s trainer, John Ennis, confirmed to The Associated Press that the big gray gelding and jockey Alex Achard were fine.
    Stephen Whyno, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • The first two days of the game were really enjoyable, Williams said.
    Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
  • In a statement provided to The Star, a representative for the Country Club Plaza said the organization was focused on providing a safe and enjoyable experience in the area, particularly for the World Cup festivities this summer.
    Dylan Lysen May 1, Kansas City Star, 1 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
Adjective
  • The first gig was actually alright, but the second and hundred others weren’t.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The new project highlights their natural chemistry and clear affinity for the So Much Fun era—the kids are definitely still alright.
    Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There is, however, a pleasing recognition here that certain relationships and phases in life are finite.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 3 May 2026
  • With the naked eye and especially through good binoculars, its conjunction with a slender crescent moon on May 18 will be very pleasing to see.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 2 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Palatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatable. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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