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 These 34 comedies streaming across the internet satirize global issues like nuclear war, cultural trends like beauty pageants, and leave no stone unturned in their quest to make life's toughest stuff more emotionally palatable. Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026 While media buyers thought the broadcast and cable market could face an 8%-10% year-over-year decline in dollar volume, the overall drop in the 2025-26 bazaar came in at a more palatable -3%. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Apr. 2026 Pair Overnight Oats with Protein Oats are often more palatable when mixed with other foods and ingredients, like fruit, nuts, and seeds. Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2026 Could this be an attempt to draw in new drinkers with something sweeter and perhaps more palatable to newbies as the whiskey market softens? Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for palatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatable
Adjective
  • The students are okay, per the outlet, which cited district officials.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Authorities say all six students are expected to be okay.
    Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His voice and his music are unfailingly tasteful and pleasant, which is a key part of both his appeal and limitations.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The daily afternoon tea in Horizons is also extremely pleasant (don’t skip on the chicken sandwiches, which were more my beat than the scones and jam).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Houston is a mecca for high-calorie delicious meals.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
  • But, the second, is that marigolds will make your carrots sweeter and more delicious thanks to increasing the carotenoid content and sugars within the carrots.
    Heather Bien, The Spruce, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • These are the finest margins that tight matches like these can be decided on.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • On Friday night, Richardson put together his finest effort of the season, reaching 49 feet, 7 inches on his final hop, step and jump at the Escondido Invitational — traditionally the final invitational of the season.
    Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Make working from home more enjoyable with a clever USB desk fan ($8) and soothing essential oil diffuser ($7).
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
  • This premise, bolstered by excellent performances all around, could easily have sustained a totally enjoyable TV show.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His voice and his music are unfailingly tasteful and pleasant, which is a key part of both his appeal and limitations.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Typically, these are used for tasteful roasting (see here).
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The first gig was actually alright, but the second and hundred others weren’t.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
  • The new project highlights their natural chemistry and clear affinity for the So Much Fun era—the kids are definitely still alright.
    Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Creators pose before aesthetically pleasing backdrops for brand partnerships.
    Andrea Domanick, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Two extreme bands coming together to make an album of extremes has a certain pleasing logic.
    Reed Jackson, SPIN, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Palatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatable. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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