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 Right now, Amazon has the metallic Oura Ring 4s on sale for $100, bringing the steep $499 list price down to a much more palatable $399. Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 6 July 2026 And are there more moves to come that will make this stunning shakeup any more palatable for Celtics fans? Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 2 July 2026 And, for all the theater of the hearing and Wyper’s expressions of sympathy with aldermen, the Stonepeak executive didn’t offer any meaningful concessions to make this obnoxious meter deal more palatable for Chicagoans. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 Though it's closely related to lemongrass, citronella grass is not palatable for using in cooking. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for palatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatable
Adjective
  • Instead, she’s given fans a perfectly okay summer soundtrack.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
  • When Ford was doing an F-150 Lightning, people were okay, electric trucks are happening.
    Joel Feder, The Drive, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • Cecchi recommends visiting from April to June or alternatively in September or October, when the weather is pleasant and the city feels slightly less crowded.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Most people can recover on their own, although the symptoms aren’t pleasant, says Yancey.
    Alice Park, Time, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • There are many other delicious places to dine in San Luis Obispo.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • The majority of ingredients in the food and beverage program at Wildflower are sourced directly from the property’s on-site farm, so every creative item on the menu is extremely fresh and delicious.
    Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who only turned professional aged 25, helped Cape Verde hold the European champions to a goalless draw with a string of fine saves.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • This is common when the sensor gets a coating of fine dust on it.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026
Adjective
  • Unlike isolated gym exercises, soccer naturally integrates these elements in a dynamic and enjoyable environment.
    Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
  • Starting fit significantly reduces injury risk and makes the whole trip more enjoyable.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • The overall aesthetic is simplistic and filled with natural light, with a tasteful (never cluttered) array of antiques and more modern furniture pieces interspersed throughout.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
  • It was marked by smooth logistical execution, massive yet tasteful staging, and lush gardens that transformed Madison Square Garden into a magical, mystical romantic world, where a crowd embraced love and national kindness across societal divides.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Know that things are gonna be alright, and there is definitely a bright future ahead.
    Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
  • But the kids are alright, too, and several up-and-comers are name-checked as ones to watch.
    Max Mathews, New York Times, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • The whole enterprise glows with friendly, pleasing daffiness.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 July 2026
  • Designed by Eduardo Suarez, the new restaurant is bright and eye-pleasing, with more space than the original.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Palatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatable. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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