passable

adjective

pass·​able ˈpa-sə-bəl How to pronounce passable (audio)
1
a
: capable of being passed, crossed, or traveled on
passable roads
b
: capable of being freely circulated
2
: good enough : adequate
passably adverb

Examples of passable in a Sentence

The main road is passable but most others are still covered with snow. The river is passable during the summer months. He did a passable job with the assignment. She plays passable golf but prefers tennis.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Not just the most passable one Netflix can get to our screens. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025 In any case, now that the tedious business of busting out of jail is done, Moira cleverly disguises herself as one of the clan with a barely passable Scottish accent and seamlessly och, aye’s her way into the heart of the child massacre preparations. Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 2 Mar. 2025 And while most gooseneck kettles would do a passable job, the Stagg’s precision and control really do elevate the experience. Jesse Raub, Bon Appétit, 12 Mar. 2025 Consumer incomes in aggregate continue to grow, February job growth was passable and a slow start to retail sales this winter means a bigger spending cushion in coming months. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for passable

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of passable was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Passable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passable. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

passable

adjective
pass·​able ˈpas-ə-bəl How to pronounce passable (audio)
1
: capable of being passed, crossed, or traveled on
passable roads
2
: barely good enough : tolerable
a passable imitation
passably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on passable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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