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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 And the state, in turn, is trying to make that transition as palatable as possible. William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2025 Some of the more politically palatable proposals that have been floated include imposing work requirements and removing noncitizens from Medicaid, but the savings wouldn’t come close to the amount needed to reach the committee’s target. Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 27 Apr. 2025 Banijay may be a more palatable option in this respect, with one person suggesting that the French producer could use the ITV network as a testing ground for new shows, akin to the way John de Mol has done at Talpa. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 May 2025 And Cannes was embracing American cinema, too—just a different side of it from the one the Academy found most palatable. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for palatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatable
Adjective
  • Make sure to learn about Filipino values, avoid superiority, and be a pleasant neighbor in this country that is welcoming you.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • View 7 Images The Tiffin GH1 all-terrain camper van was one of the most pleasant RV surprises of 2024.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • My favorite way to use it up is by making zucchini butter—a luscious, versatile spread that is just as delicious on sandwiches as it is tossed with pasta.
    Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 May 2025
  • Fried rice is delicious on its own, but a block of extra-firm tofu can make this dish significantly more substantial and filling.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to her passion for making tasteful and affordable accessories, Scott has a heart for philanthropy.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • The model became especially attractive when the popular convertible was translated into the beautiful MGB-GT 2+2 coupé—a tasteful hatchback adaptation by Pininfarina—introduced in 1965.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Surrounded by monumental works from celebrated contemporary artists like Ai Weiwei and Jaume Plensa, Biggers’ piece contributes to The Donum Collection’s vision: a harmonious blend of fine wine, sustainable farming, and transformative art.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 28 May 2025
  • In any case, for the other guests, the tripping goes fine.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • His stage delivery is pleasing and his topic is beyond fascinating.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • The caviar is pleasing to look at, with a dark-brown and amber hue, and the flavor is like the ocean concentrated into a tiny drop—in the very best way.
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Detectives from the sheriff’s Cannabis Compliance Team and the school’s resource deputy launched an investigation into the incident and determined that a 15-year-old student was provided edible cannabis products by an adult, Flor Yudith Zamora, 21, of Lompoc.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
  • Beet greens: The greens of beets are edible, too, so don't throw them out.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Barack Obama is the most unbelievably delightful man.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025
  • While the absurd shenanigans are fun, the real joy is watching a delightful del Toro and refreshing Threapleton navigating the oddly heartfelt family reconnection.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Multiple audits — including one presented to the supervisors last month — found the company has continuously fallen short of the 90-95% compliance rate needed for a satisfactory rating.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 6 June 2025
  • Father’s Day tends to carry the rep of being a lower-key celebration, with a satisfactory time including food and beverages, maybe a clothing item, and peace and quiet.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Palatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatable. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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