1
2
as in penetrable
capable of being passed into or through the jungle is not passable without a machete

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in decent
of a level of quality that meets one's needs or standards that's a passable paper

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4

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 passable Luckily, a new solution is likely to appear in the way of using artificial intelligence as a passable substitute for arbitrators in these smaller cases. Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 His passable ensemble wisely included a pedal-steel guitarist and violinist, yet the mix muddled their contributions on an abundance of mid- and high-tempo material. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025 With no way to contact anyone, no running water or power or passable roads, the neighbors relied on each other since the landslide. Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 19 May 2025 No Straw man: For the majority of these playoffs, interim head coach David Adelman has waved his finger to a slew of different bodies sitting at the end of his bench, as the Nuggets have looked for any passable eighth-man minutes against a Thunder team teeming with fresh legs. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for passable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passable
Adjective
  • The loss of Ehlers is navigable, but Winnipeg has to replace his offence.
    Murat Ates, New York Times, 2 July 2025
  • Ticket Information Thames Tunnel/Brunel Museum The Thames Tunnel was the world’s first passage built through soft ground beneath a navigable river.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mescal’s performance is carefully pitched in its quiet devastation, but Lionel, hidden behind his thick glasses and polite manner, is never quite penetrable.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 22 May 2025
  • Strong actors also can’t prop up a script built out of barely penetrable mumbo jumbo.
    David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Adjective
  • But something good and decent rose from their sacrifice.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 4 July 2025
  • While most of the passengers hail from outside Cook County, a decent percentage are like me, locals proud to call this toddlin’ town home.
    Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • The other specs are perfectly satisfactory for a model at this price.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 9 July 2025
  • Synan’s attorney declined to comment on a similar question, as well as a question about whether the resignation is a satisfactory outcome for the police chief.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Bleach also does not deal with roots of mold colonies growing on porous surfaces.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
  • Mold spores can cling to porous surfaces, and even after washing, lingering odors or stains might leave you unsure if the container is truly clean.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • However, other people who lived in the area said their wireless coverage was adequate and did not think constructing a new tower was necessary.
    Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • For minimalists, a smaller organizer will be adequate and less obtrusive.
    Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Stach was a dependable regular in a Hoffenheim side that had a mediocre 2024-25 season, finishing 15th in the league.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 30 June 2025
  • First, how will the Bear recover from that mediocre review — and can its comeback be achieved before the joint runs out of money?
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • People in their finest gathered under those lights.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
  • Experts believe that rice played a role in rituals that were performed in the cave, which also included fine pottery, shell pendants and ornaments.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Passable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passable. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on passable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!