1
as in navigable
capable of being traveled on
after the snowstorm ends, the roads might not be passable for the morning ride to school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in satisfactory
of average to below average quality
the actor's Scottish accent is passable at best
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
While the city has worked to make the roads passable, the repairs were meant to be temporary.
—
Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2025
Anecdotally, every stage was fuller, every corridor of the grounds less passable than it’s been since the 2022 return.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 14 Apr. 2025
If that part of her game becomes even passable, Rivers will be a quality point guard for years to come.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Not just the most passable one Netflix can get to our screens.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for passable
Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2025
Anecdotally, every stage was fuller, every corridor of the grounds less passable than it’s been since the 2022 return.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 14 Apr. 2025
If that part of her game becomes even passable, Rivers will be a quality point guard for years to come.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Not just the most passable one Netflix can get to our screens.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for passable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passable
Adjective
-
When judges become the arbiters of what constitutes a wetland or navigable water, businesses are left guessing how long a permit will hold, or if it’s needed at all.—
John F. McQuillan,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
-
To reach the 100-foot waterfall, tour guides from adventure outfitters (like Kayak Kaua’i) will take travelers on kayaks along the Wailua River, Kaua‘i’s only navigable river.—
Rachel Ng,
AFAR Media,
7 May 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
-
Sales were decent, too, with more than one million copies shifted per year at the height of what quickly became a phenomenon.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
-
On its own, the ICE delivers a decent if not incredible 51.4mpg (42.8mpg with US gallon).—
James Morris,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
Father’s Day tends to carry the rep of being a lower-key celebration, with a satisfactory time including food and beverages, maybe a clothing item, and peace and quiet.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
6 June 2025
-
Multiple audits — including one presented to the supervisors last month — found the company has continuously fallen short of the 90-95% compliance rate needed for a satisfactory rating.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
For example, soils marketed for cacti and succulents are highly porous, designed to drain water away quickly from the moisture-sensitive roots of desert plants.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 2025
-
In This Article How to Finish and Keep it Clean As porous material, grout acts like a sponge and soaks up everything: dirt, grease, mildew, soap scum, even hard water.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
The Testing Gap Enterprises are rushing to deployment without adequate testing.—
Victor Orlovski,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
Because of the heat, sun exposure, and humidity (which increases sweating and ultimately strips the skin of moisture), getting an adequate amount of hydration in the summer is vital for healthy complexions.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
This means: • Spending hours optimizing crawl budgets won’t fix mediocre content.—
Nick Zviadadze,
Forbes.com,
9 June 2025
-
Vest — once a Rule 5 pick who was returned to the Tigers after a mediocre stint with the Seattle Mariners — closed the door for the 10th time this season.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
On Sunday evening, Broadway’s finest, including George Clooney, Mia Farrow, Lea Michele and Tonys host Cynthia Erivo, gathered outside of Radio City Music Hall under a covered red carpet, avoiding the dreary New York City weather.—
Emily Burns,
Footwear News,
9 June 2025
-
Under his watchful eye, the new site will spotlight the finest talents in the region.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Passable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passable. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share