Definition of palatablenext
1
2
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

3

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 At an annual Space Resources Week event in Luxembourg, businesses have publicly discussed how to make mining other celestial bodies, including the Moon, more palatable for the public. Marissa E. Yingling, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2026 In response, big firms are trying to make their presence in communities more palatable. Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026 But for all its ambition, the mixtape isn't an exercise in making Ghanaian music more palatable to the world. Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 The nicotine salt allows the nicotine to cross the blood-brain barrier more easily, making higher levels of nicotine more palatable, according to King. Callie Teitelbaum, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for palatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatable
Adjective
  • Is everything okay on MobLand after the behind-the-scenes commotion involving Tom Hardy.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
  • People are far too okay with just being hateful in their own name.
    Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • With time for a quick lunch, Zouaghi enjoyed a pleasant farm-to-table meal at Five March before continuing to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, one of Glasgow’s premier cultural institutions.
    Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Join Swamp Fox Tours for a pleasant hour-long history and architecture lesson aboard the blue-and-white tram.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Fresh corn is a summertime staple, and there are plenty of delicious ways to put it to good use.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The food in the modernist dining hall is delicious, but sparse.
    Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Even though his parents split more than 25 years ago, according to Us Weekly, their living arrangement worked out just fine.
    Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Before planting any hibiscus seeds, start by nicking or sanding the seeds using fine-grade sandpaper or the tip of a knife.
    Shelby Vittek, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This is what makes this sport so tough to predict and so enjoyable to watch transpire over six months and 162 games.
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • While Cape Breton is reachable by both air and car, the most enjoyable way to start your cool Northeast summer getaway is by high-speed ferry from Bar Harbor, Maine, onboard THE CAT to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
    Josh Roberts, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Each room is thoughtfully designed for travelers looking to unwind—luxurious beds, tasteful lighting, boho-minimal decor, and plentiful smart storage.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The same California Craftsman look; almost identical plank siding; a similar tasteful yet cheery color palette.
    Julie Z. Weil, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • When looking for symptoms, anything can become suspect; and when comfort is sought, anything can look alright.
    Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The kids are not alright, or even right in the head in Serbian drama 3 Weeks After.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • The yellow and red trim pops perfectly from the dark blue background, and there’s a pleasing colour consistency with the Adidas trefoil, the Arsenal badge and the sponsor.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • For an aesthetically pleasing addition to your kitchen, this coffee percolator comes in four bold finishes.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Palatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatable. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on palatable

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster