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 The lifestyle is… palatable, even enriching? Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Mar. 2026 Sexton admits the charitable component also makes the paycheck deduction slightly more palatable. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 11 Mar. 2026 The purportedly unique and local feel of coffee shops has instead been homogenized into a singular, palatable, North American aesthetic. Conrad Kickert, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026 Apple's Studio Display XDR combines the elite performance specs and reference-monitor cred of the 6K Apple Pro Display XDR with the smaller 5K form factor of the Apple Studio Display, at a more palatable price. Tony Hoffman, PC Magazine, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for palatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatable
Adjective
  • There’s a lot of nudity in that, but that’s okay.
    Marah Eakin, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The woman, who was hospitalized after the incident, is expected to be okay, Monrovia police said.
    Laurie Perez, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • My mom’s team had at least given me a heftier brochure featuring tasteful photographs of lilacs; this one was literally stapled together, with cartoonish drawings like the ones on airplane safety cards that show your aircraft making a pleasant water landing.
    Amanda Peet, New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Warm first weekend of spring across Maryland Saturday afternoon will include more sunshine and pleasant temperatures.
    Cutter Martin, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This fresh and vibrant salad is delicious warm or cold, as a nutritious lunch or shared at a gathering, said Madeleine Olivia.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 14 Mar. 2026
  • This two-ingredient recipe couldn't be easier or more delicious.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Most babies will be fine, so no need to stress over the small stuff, and don’t let people pressure you into doing anything.
    Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The 15 minutes Cowan has averaged over his last two games is fine.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Volunteers dedicate their time to community education in an effort to make gardening accessible and enjoyable for all.
    The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Maybe this is the attitude that has made it into (for me, at least still enjoyable) slow television.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • My mom’s team had at least given me a heftier brochure featuring tasteful photographs of lilacs; this one was literally stapled together, with cartoonish drawings like the ones on airplane safety cards that show your aircraft making a pleasant water landing.
    Amanda Peet, New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2026
  • The space is adorned with a tasteful yellow leather couch, nature and travel coffee table books, and colorful, contemporary art pieces.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Knowing that raising good humans is still part of the secret sauce to success means that in the end, the kids are going to be alright.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Santa's job is to make sure everybody else is alright.
    Lizzie Hyman, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Its exhaust note is confident, with buyers interested in car sounds likely describing it as pleasing.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • These eight options from Wayfair offer plenty of storage plus the aesthetically pleasing look of furniture that won’t clash with your decor.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Palatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatable. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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