acceptable

adjective

ac·​cept·​able ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl How to pronounce acceptable (audio)
ak-
also ek-
Synonyms of acceptablenext
1
: capable or worthy of being accepted
an acceptable noise level
socially acceptable behavior
a compromise that is acceptable to both sides
2
a
: welcome, pleasing
Compliments are always acceptable.
b
: barely satisfactory or adequate
The performances varied from excellent to acceptable.
acceptability
ik-ˌsep-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce acceptable (audio)
(ˌ)ak-, 
ek-
noun
acceptableness
ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce acceptable (audio)
ak-
noun
acceptably
ik-ˈsep-tə-blē How to pronounce acceptable (audio)
ak-
also ek-
adverb

Synonyms of acceptable

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Examples of acceptable in a Sentence

acceptable and unacceptable noise levels It was an acceptable performance, although not an outstanding one. She plays an acceptable game of 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.
Too often, the pressure is not to go further, but to remain legible, acceptable, and marketable. — Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026 But this seemed an acceptable trade-off for a childhood in which kids quickly learned to act independently. — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 The American Academy of Pediatrics had recognized it as an acceptable approach since 2016. — Eric Boodman, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026 Some senior figures at Atletico would have seen selling to Arsenal as an acceptable outcome. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for acceptable

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin acceptābilis, from Latin acceptāre "to accept" + -bilis "capable of (being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of acceptable was in the 14th century

Rhymes for acceptable

See All Rhymes for acceptable

Browse Nearby Words

acceptability
acceptable
acceptance
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Cite this Entry

“Acceptable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acceptable. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

acceptable

adjective
ac·​cept·​able ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl How to pronounce acceptable (audio)
ak-
1
: capable or worthy of being accepted : satisfactory
an acceptable excuse
2
: barely good enough
plays an acceptable game
acceptability
ik-ˌsep-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce acceptable (audio)
ak-
noun
acceptably
ik-ˈsep-tə-blē How to pronounce acceptable (audio)
ak-
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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