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

Regardless, in order to actually save their season, the Trojans need Maiava to be more than just a passable Big Ten quarterback. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Last fall, Colby stepped in against New Orleans in Week 2, looked passable for about three quarters, and then spent two months resembling a guy trying to halt an oncoming freight train with a foam pool noodle. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 17 Sep. 2026

There were 23 routes that were not passable and another 19 identified that had cautions, McDermott said. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Less than 10% of the country’s roads are passable year-round, and frequent power shortages force mining companies to rely on diesel generators, increasing costs. — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026