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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 Porziņģis’ injury history is obviously concerning, but the sheer lack of viable replacements makes moving him significantly less palatable. Danny Leroux, New York Times, 31 May 2025 Largely unknown, with few public remarks, Souter was considered a politically palatable choice as the contentious Senate rejection of Reagan nominee Robert Bork three years earlier still rattled Washington. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 10 May 2025 Turkson is a viable choice, widely respected, liked by Pope Francis, and theologically and ‘politically’ palatable to Western prelates, but his visibility has dimmed in recent years. Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025 However, other ingredients were added to make the bars more palatable. Sarah Garone, Health, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for palatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatable
Adjective
  • Using a real-life incarceration facility near Geelong in Victoria that had just opened (but wasn’t populated yet), Williams has a setting that’s sunny and modern, not inherently depressing if not exactly pleasant, either.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 20 June 2025
  • Her biggest piece of advice for creating a pleasant patio at your own home?
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Roasting them low and slow in a preheated oven, or cooking them slowly in a slow cooker, smoker, or sous vide before finishing on the grill or under the broiler, can all yield tender, delicious results.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 23 June 2025
  • Coupled with a healthy diet and lifestyle, these delicious drinks can keep your gut happy, balanced, and thriving.
    Lauren Manaker MS, Health, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The tasteful guest room renovation includes natural white woods complemented by soft colors—grays, tans and pale blues—that reflect nature's coastal palette.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Fortunately, Lauren has delivered again with tasteful intarsia knits, satin jackets, and, of course, some polo shirts for good measure.
    Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • All accommodations come with thoughtful touches like elevated mini-bar fare, Bellino fine linens, and plush, jewel-toned furniture.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025
  • Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Google Photos web interface is clean, minimalist, and pleasing.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 25 June 2025
  • Prioritize window placement early by considering exterior style, symmetry, and scale to ensure the facade feels balanced and visually pleasing.
    Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • These were then arranged beautifully on individual plates with the creamy cod and sauce forming a white pool on the plate surrounded by green and yellow vegetables with pink edible flowers (see photo below).
    Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Kyle Hagerty is a gardener with more than 20 years of experience in edible gardening who shares his tips on his popular account @urbanfarmstead.
    Johanna Silver, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The best overall pick was Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil for its subtle-yet-buildable luminosity, minimal transfer onto clothes, and delightful fragrance.
    Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 17 June 2025
  • To watch dancing is intrinsically delightful, and Flanagan, without doing anything exceptional with the camera, conveys a spectatorial sense of that delight.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • At highway cruising speed, the SUV is satisfactory.
    James Raia, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
  • The sound from the optional Bose 12-speaker upgrade is satisfactory.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Palatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatable. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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