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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 But of course Israel had alternatives, as the main advocacy group for family members of Israeli hostages in Gaza noted, albeit alternatives that were not particularly palatable to Israel’s leaders. Nicholas D. Kristof, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025 Free agency doesn’t offer many palatable options due to cost and/or injury history. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2025 That, however, doesn’t leave many palatable options left. Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025 Still, officials at Munich Security Conference have said there is scope to negotiate a deal that is palatable to both sides. Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for palatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatable
Adjective
  • Some images are pleasant, while others are painful and heart-wrenching to produce.
    The Pham, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Exploring ancient hot spots like Delphi, ancient Epidaurus, and Olympia on foot is much more pleasant in spring temperatures averaging from the 60s to the high 70s.
    Helen Iatrou, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 50 mins Servings: 4 Jump to Nutrition Facts Mix up your weeknight menu with this delicious copycat chicken recipe.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Spring Café For healthier–yet still delicious—fare, head to Spring Café for lunch.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Think about erring on the side of a tasteful ensemble that leans more classic than risqué.
    Shelby Wax, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The room design is very tasteful and, notably, prioritizes sustainability.
    Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And written by two of the finest Canadian imports in the TV game: Justified creator Graham Yost and Moira Walley-Beckett, who wrote the Breaking Bad installment Rolling Stone once dubbed the best episode in television history.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This is an excellent way to incorporate more texture and character into your kitchen organization that's pleasing to the eye.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Gerry’s option to buy the Sportatorium is conditional on his making the behemoth pleasing to the eye, improving the appearance of the building, the parking lot and the landscaping, Hollander said.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • An employee-run herb garden provides the hotels’ restaurants with basil, chili, kaffir lime, okra, spring onions, and edible flowers.
    Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • This class is for gardeners interested in expanding their own edible landscapes, with information about creating a backyard garden that delivers fresh food in an affordable, sustainable way.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The good news is that the mechanicals are robust, and those parts are plentiful, so apart from rust and the challenge of obtaining trim and pieces unique to the model (serious enthusiasts may want to buy a second Scorpion to cannibalize), these are really delightful cars.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025
  • So goes a single day with Doctor Odyssey, a cross between The Love Boat and ER filtered through the lunatic mind of Ryan Murphy and the nuttiest, most delightful new series in a minute.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The sound from the optional Bose 12-speaker upgrade is satisfactory.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Yet a great deal remained to be paid with funds expected after the submission of satisfactory progress reports.
    Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 30 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Palatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatable. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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