acceptable

1 of 2

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

acceptability

2 of 2

noun

ac·​cept·​abil·​i·​ty ik-ˌsep-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce acceptability (audio) ak- also ək- or ek- How to pronounce acceptability (audio)
plural -es
: the quality or state of being acceptable

Synonyms of acceptable

Relevance

Adjective

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Examples of acceptable in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
Thankfully, naked dressing is not only acceptable, but considered very in line with today's fashion trends—and the sheer skirt is the antidote to your summer woes. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 29 June 2026 Failure to prepare is preparing to fail, and that's not acceptable for Independence Day. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 With seemingly nowhere left to turn, Apple petitioned the Supreme Court to intervene in a last-ditch attempt to keep fees at an acceptable rate. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026 Trump administration officials have repeatedly said a toll system would not be acceptable. — Abigail Williams, NBC news, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for acceptable

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1647, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for acceptable

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Browse Nearby Words

acceptability
acceptable
acceptance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Acceptable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acceptable. Accessed 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on acceptable

Nglish: Translation of acceptable for Spanish Speakers

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