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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 For many cautious investors, this arrangement could be a more palatable introduction to bitcoin than buying it outright. Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 That logic, however buried beneath more palatable readings, runs like a dark current through the text. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025 That means the $1,000 cellphone would cost a more palatable $1,200, given the 20% tariffs imposed earlier this year. Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Apr. 2025 Wakim is really good at walking the line between pushing boundaries and being largely palatable on a broadcast sketch show. Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for palatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatable
Adjective
  • Thus, a trip to a coin-exchange kiosk (or a bank, or credit union) can yield a pleasant surprise.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • There are many pleasant features of playoff basketball.
    Shane Young, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Grilling is a simple and delicious way to enjoy proteins and veggies, but there’s ways to make that grilling experience bigger and bolder, and add a lot of flavor.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The scents are delicious without ever smelling overbearing, the burn times are on point, and the candle jars blend in as pretty decor in any room.
    Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Ohki, both were revolutionary interventions into an art establishment, expanding what was considered tasteful.
    Nathan Pugh, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, most of the action takes place in the actress’s tasteful West Village apartment, that blank Fidi restaurant, the coffee shop down the street.
    Emma Alpern, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Shortly after a fine break, Journalism had gotten forced toward the rail in the classic Derby crush but was deftly piloted clear by jockey Umberto Rispoli.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
  • While medium-width sneakers and the occasional flat fit fine, wide-width sandals are usually a requirement.
    Shea Simmons, People.com, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • The costume has to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, especially with Marvel.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Materials Exterior: Car pillows are most often covered in a soft, plush material that’s pleasing to the touch.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Sometimes there is busted packaging, or almost expired, or expired but still edible, products.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Buyers are also seeking out plants that serve a specific purpose—whether for edible gardening, wildlife conservation or air purification.
    Tammy Sons, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The delightful scene unfolds with the three discussing relationships.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • Sometimes those patterns are helpful, even delightful.
    Diana Spehar, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The findings are available to the public at cdc.gov, with a score of 86 and above deemed satisfactory and anything under considered unsatisfactory.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The player: Luis Ortiz Ortiz’s first three starts, respectively, could be classified as ugly, satisfactory and excellent.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Palatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatable. Accessed 10 May. 2025.

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