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 Much more palatable and practical than a brand-new whip, right? Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 13 July 2026 Yes, this is a more palatable way of saying prunes—but prunes and prune juice get a bad reputation as your grandmother’s favorite constipation remedy. Sarah Klein, Time, 10 July 2026 There may be a faction of owners who see upheaval within the MLB Players Association as evidence of a wounded union, making the timing for a cap push more palatable now. Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Further, what would make Carlsson’s inflated salary more palatable in Philadelphia is that Briere has managed to keep salaries down for other key players. Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for palatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatable
Adjective
  • After a couple of rounds of throwing up and an evaluation by the doctor, Coop is okay, but the whole thing puts a fright into the crew, and especially into Joy.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026
  • The Last Of Us did an okay job with its first season, but completely crashed out in Season 2 on HBO.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • Counting businesses is easy, the count has been going up, and a rising number is a pleasant thing to publicize.
    Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • While the town itself is quite pleasant, Lake Tahoe is the crown jewel.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • With delicious options for chicken, steak, seafood, pork, and veggies, these versatile grilling recipes are great for family dinners or easy entertaining.
    Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 25 July 2026
  • The Sacramento Bee went on a search on behalf of the vegan/vegetarian fair goer and found delicious meals for anyone to enjoy.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 25, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • In most fine dining restaurants, sommeliers carefully select wines to complement and match each course.
    Yuri Shima, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • The Alzheimer’s Blood Tests are not designed as a mass screening tool for people who feel fine and have no memory concerns.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • The garden's pond reflects the lovely surrounding scenery, and the harmonious beauty is enjoyable with every step and across the changing seasons.
    Hiroshige Yazawa Japan News, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026
  • Furniture stains and splotches are the last thing anyone wants to think about when curating the perfect domestic space, but there’s nothing remotely enjoyable about discolored blobs on furniture.
    Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • Brimming with tasteful design, the interiors of The Prince of Albert are their own kind of attraction.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2026
  • While the overall package may not be all that different from its predecessor, the Z Fold 8 Ultra includes tasteful refinements that make a great phone even greater.
    Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • The kids are not alright, or even right in the head in Serbian drama 3 Weeks After.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2026
  • Know that things are gonna be alright, and there is definitely a bright future ahead.
    Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Founder Rachel Baker, inspired by her beauty industry background, creates products that are aesthetically pleasing and discreet, designed to be displayed openly rather than hidden away.
    Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • The dog-friendly property is an aesthetically pleasing and very relaxed place to stay, with bright, airy interiors, fire pits, an oceanfront lawn, heated pool, hot tubs and more.
    Rebecca R. Norris, USA Today, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Palatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatable. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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