acceptable
adjective
ac·cept·able ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl 
ak-,
also ek-
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
noun (ˌ)ak-
ek-
acceptableness
ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl-nəs
noun ak-
acceptably
ik-ˈsep-tə-blē
adverb ak-
also ek-
Synonyms
- adequate
- all right
- decent
- fairish
- fine
- good
- OK
- okay
- passable
- respectable
- satisfactory
- serviceable
- tolerable
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 The position of the American Veterinary Medical Association is more nuanced, and states that euthanasia by carbon monoxide is acceptable as long as certain contingencies are met. 
Kolbie Peterson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 Aug. 2022 While decorations are encouraged, only colored duct tape and markers are acceptable. John Benson, cleveland, 29 Aug. 2022 For many, the reaction is that no technology that would ever run over a child is acceptable. Brad Templeton, Forbes, 25 Aug. 2022 Post-Roe, the teens in the park had decided, this lack of education was no longer acceptable. Hannah Natanson, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Aug. 2022 Looking and not touching, or even flirting a little, with someone might be acceptable, but lying about it is a much bigger problem. Annie Lane, oregonlive, 23 Aug. 2022 Looking and not touching, or even flirting a little, with someone might be acceptable, but lying about it is a much bigger problem. Annie Lane, cleveland, 23 Aug. 2022 During critical situations at work, compliments on appearances aren’t acceptable. Rory Satran, WSJ, 20 Aug. 2022 With millions of travelers expected to rush airports over the Labor Day holiday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is telling major airlines that this summer's thousands of flight cancellations are not acceptable. Pete Muntean, CNN, 19 Aug. 2022 See More
Kolbie Peterson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 Aug. 2022 While decorations are encouraged, only colored duct tape and markers are acceptable. John Benson, cleveland, 29 Aug. 2022 For many, the reaction is that no technology that would ever run over a child is acceptable. Brad Templeton, Forbes, 25 Aug. 2022 Post-Roe, the teens in the park had decided, this lack of education was no longer acceptable. Hannah Natanson, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Aug. 2022 Looking and not touching, or even flirting a little, with someone might be acceptable, but lying about it is a much bigger problem. Annie Lane, oregonlive, 23 Aug. 2022 Looking and not touching, or even flirting a little, with someone might be acceptable, but lying about it is a much bigger problem. Annie Lane, cleveland, 23 Aug. 2022 During critical situations at work, compliments on appearances aren’t acceptable. Rory Satran, WSJ, 20 Aug. 2022 With millions of travelers expected to rush airports over the Labor Day holiday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is telling major airlines that this summer's thousands of flight cancellations are not acceptable. Pete Muntean, CNN, 19 Aug. 2022 See More 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
Kids Definition
acceptable
adjective
ac·cept·able ik-ˈsep-tə-bəl
ak-
1
: worthy of being accepted
an acceptable excuse
2
: adequate sense 2
He plays an acceptable game of tennis.
acceptable
adjective
as in adequate
of a level of quality that meets one's needs or standards told the bike rental man that a ten-speed with four broken gears was not acceptable Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- adequate
- satisfactory
- decent
- fine
- good
- tolerable
- okay
- respectable
- suitable
- serviceable
- useful
- passable
- OK
- all right
- appropriate
- agreeable
- fairish
- minimal
- worthy
- standard
- endurable
- bearable
- average
- up to snuff
- satisfying
- correct
- fair
- mediocre
- common
- sufferable
- fitting
- ordinary
- indifferent
- proper
- middling
- unexceptional
- right
- seemly
- meet
- due
- so-so
- gratifying
- run-of-the-mine
- run-of-the-mill
- second-rate
- run-of-mine
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unacceptable
- inadequate
- insufficient
- unsatisfactory
- lacking
- objectionable
- wrong
- unsuitable
- improper
- deficient
- useless
- unfit
- unworthy
- wanting
- disagreeable
- indecent
- bad
- imperfect
- defective
- cheap
- incomplete
- insufficient
- pitiful
- shoddy
- poor
- lamentable
- short
- faulty
- intolerable
- mean
- meager
- unbearable
- shabby
- optimal
- skimpy
- disreputable
- meagre
- spare
- maximum
- optimum
- unendurable
- scanty
- special
- great
- extreme
- atrocious
- insufferable
- miserly
- stingy
- dissatisfying
- exceptional
- miserable
- vile
- superior
- supreme
- execrable
- wretched
- exquisite
- unparalleled
- wonderful
- mean
- fancy
- prime
- splendid
- neat
- divine
- superb
- unmatched
- noble
- premium
- terrific
- top
- matchless
- classic
- peerless
- marvelous
- dandy
- unsurpassed
- stellar
- marvellous
- superlative
- heavenly
- fabulous
- par excellence
- preeminent
- sensational
- grand
- keen
- banner
- niggardly
- sterling
- capital
- swell
- nifty
- boss
- maximized
- first-class
- high-grade
- groovy
- top-notch
- first-rate
- supernal
- jim-dandy
- crackerjack
- tip-top
- bang-up
- A1
