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.
Instead, this memo claims, sending people to live in institutions—away from their families, friends, and beds—is an acceptable option. — Rebekah Taussig, Time, 28 Oct. 2026 Contingent deals depend on certain clauses being met — an acceptable inspection, for example. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026 No amount of gun violence in an elementary school is acceptable. — Nina Vinik, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 But desperation has a way of making humiliation seem acceptable. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 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

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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 30 Oct. 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
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