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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 His stature as head of the world's largest asset manager lends weight to the conversation, and his emphasis on supplementing (not replacing) Social Security could make the concept more palatable to some. Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 And last but not least, sugar is also just plain palatable, period. Caroline Tien, SELF, 12 Mar. 2025 But the food environment, like the digital tool environment, is built to push you toward options that are highly palatable and cheap to produce — often, not what’s actually good for you. Celia Ford, Vox, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for palatable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palatable
Adjective
  • 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
  • The music was a pleasant surprise and big draw for Bacon’s interest, too, but for an actor who has starred in many horror films and series throughout his career, there needed to be something really unique to entice Bacon to The Bondsman.
    Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 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
  • Middle Colenso Farm is a series of old stone farm buildings, updated with tasteful interiors and sculpted gravel paths through beautiful lush subtropical vegetation.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
  • It was recently renovated and features tasteful interior finishes and furniture.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These fragrant groundcovers offer pleasing aromas and colorful flowers.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Kelly Clarkson Home Sara Sideboard Looking for a sleek storage solution that’s aesthetically pleasing and serves its purpose?
    Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Soft-Shell Crab Refers to the brief time just after a blue crab molts, during which the entire shell is edible.
    Susan Hall Mahon, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Airline halloumi can be hit or miss, but this one was pleasantly edible.
    Scott Campbell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Years: 2023-present Length: 2 seasons, 23 episodes Creators: Lee Gant, Christine Rose The biggest new reality TV hit of 2023 so far is this gem of a competition show with a delightful hosting job by Alan Cumming.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Over the years the parade has grown from watching the show in one’s carriage to a fantastical showing of DIY (do-it-yourself) towering bonnets, hats, baskets and delightful spring fashion — wearers introducing an enchanting array of spring fashion colors to shed the feeling of the long winter days.
    Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The surgery was difficult due to Bolsonaro’s prior surgeries and stab wound, but Sunday’s procedure did not have unexpected complications and the result was satisfactory, doctors said, adding that hospital visits for now should be limited to family.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025
  • According to the complaint, Combs allegedly said the act wasn’t satisfactory and threatened Doe with violence afterward.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Palatable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palatable. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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