Synonyms of passable

passable

adjective

ˈpa-sə-bəl 

1

as in navigable

capable of being traveled on

after the snowstorm ends, the roads might not be passable for the morning ride to school

Synonyms & Similar Words

• navigable
• cleared
• negotiable
• clear
• unobstructed
• unclogged
• open
• free
• unclosed
• unstopped

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• impassable
• blocked
• stopped (up)
• closed
• congested
• clogged
• choked
• unpassable
• obstructed
• stuffed
• dammed
• jammed
• plugged (up)
• unnegotiable
• blockaded
• barricaded

2

as in penetrable

capable of being passed into or through

the jungle is not passable without a machete

Synonyms & Similar Words

• penetrable
• porous
• permeable
• pervious
• absorbent
• breathable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• impassable
• impenetrable
• impervious
• impermeable
• dense
• thick
• airtight
• compact
• close
• nonporous
• watertight

3

as in decent

of a level of quality that meets one's needs or standards

that's a passable paper

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decent
• adequate
• satisfactory
• fine
• good
• acceptable
• serviceable
• OK
• respectable
• tolerable
• useful
• suitable
• all right
• fairish
• mediocre
• minimal
• worthy
• bearable
• up to snuff
• average
• agreeable
• middling
• ordinary
• appropriate
• endurable
• standard
• satisfying
• indifferent
• fitting
• fair
• proper
• so-so
• common
• sufferable
• correct
• meet
• unexceptional
• due
• second-rate
• right
• run-of-the-mill
• run-of-the-mine
• gratifying
• seemly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inadequate
• lacking
• insufficient
• unsatisfactory
• unacceptable
• deficient
• useless
• unsuitable
• wrong
• improper
• objectionable
• unfit
• disagreeable
• imperfect
• bad
• unworthy
• cheap
• wanting
• defective
• incomplete
• indecent
• shoddy
• pitiful
• disreputable
• short
• poor
• insufficient
• faulty
• lamentable
• meager
• scanty
• shabby
• skimpy
• spare
• mean
• atrocious
• intolerable
• unbearable
• great
• insufferable
• miserly
• stingy
• special
• unendurable
• exceptional
• miserable
• maximum
• optimal
• superior
• execrable
• wretched
• dissatisfying
• first-class
• superb
• extreme
• splendid
• optimum
• supreme
• vile
• exquisite
• fancy
• terrific
• wonderful
• prime
• divine
• high-grade
• peerless
• stellar
• unparalleled
• superlative
• classic
• neat
• premium
• first-rate
• marvelous
• noble
• unmatched
• top
• matchless
• heavenly
• sensational
• dandy
• fabulous
• par excellence
• grand
• sterling
• swell
• unsurpassed
• nifty
• keen
• preeminent
• banner
• A1
• capital
• top-notch
• supernal
• boss
• maximized
• crackerjack
• tip-top
• groovy
• bang-up
• jim-dandy

4

as in satisfactory

of average to below average quality

the actor's Scottish accent is passable at best

Synonyms & Similar Words

• decent
• satisfactory
• mediocre
• medium
• ordinary
• middling
• adequate
• so-so
• fair
• common
• indifferent
• second-class
• acceptable
• reasonable
• nice
• sufficient
• second-rate
• respectable
• good
• run-of-the-mill
• run-of-the-mine
• tolerable
• fine
• modest
• moderate
• OK
• presentable
• minimal
• alright
• all right
• sufficing
• unexceptional

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• excellent
• great
• outstanding
• superior
• superb
• splendid
• special
• optimal
• exceptional
• maximum
• terrific
• prime
• distinguished
• stellar
• first-class
• superlative
• optimum
• fantastic
• classic
• marvelous
• supreme
• exquisite
• top
• choice
• sensational
• par excellence
• peerless
• fabulous
• sterling
• swell
• grand
• nifty
• first-rate
• A1
• number one
• capital
• top-notch
• preeminent
• matchless
• unparalleled
• inadequate
• unsurpassed
• lacking
• unmatched
• insufficient
• tip-top
• unsatisfactory
• unacceptable
• deficient
• wanting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of passable

Anyone can now generate marketing materials, animations, even a passable news story with a keystroke. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 31 July 2026

There are currently no flights to this part of the country, so people are entirely dependent on passable roads. — Betsy Joles, NPR, 29 July 2026

There’s passable yet indistinguishable music in this exact style dropping every day, but the difference with Chicago’s Fatso is that his lyrics feel like scraps of conversations that communicate his hurt without leaning on platitudes. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 24 June 2026

To make the sign, Fawad put his photo through an AI app that did a passable job of rendering his likeness in cartoon form and sent it to his sign guy, who printed and installed it. — Clio Chang, Curbed, 22 June 2026