passable
Americanadjective
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capable of being passed through, beyond, or over; fit to be traversed, penetrated, crossed, etc., as a road, forest, or stream.
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adequate; acceptable.
a passable knowledge of French.
- Synonyms:
- fair, tolerable, allowable, respectable, presentable
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capable of being circulated legally or having a valid currency, as a coin.
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capable of being or liable to be ratified or enacted.
passable legislation.
adjective
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adequate, fair, or acceptable
a passable speech
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(of an obstacle) capable of being passed or crossed
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(of currency) valid for general circulation
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(of a proposed law) able to be ratified or enacted
Other Word Forms
- passableness noun
- unpassable adjective
Etymology
Origin of passable
1375–1425; late Middle English < Middle French; see pass, -able
Explanation
Something you can physically cross is passable. A passable trail through the woods isn't blocked by obstacles like fallen trees or flooded streams. After a hurricane, the roads you normally travel may not be passable because of dangling power lines or tree branches. This definition dates from the fifteenth century, literally meaning "able to be passed" or "able to be crossed." A later meaning of passable is "acceptable." You can use this word to describe things that aren't wonderful, but are good enough: "It's not the moistest cake I've ever tasted, but it's passable."
Vocabulary lists containing passable
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But for years, I stayed in the realm of passable.
From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026
For investors, the critical question is when the Strait of Hormuz will be passable with lowered risk given the growing economic toll around the world.
From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026
In a world where digital optimization can make just about anyone sound passable on the microphone, a pop singer with personality whose voice actually communicates stands out.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
"Most roads are now passable so supplies are now coming in from the city. But immediate supplies like water and food, especially for the children are not yet available," he tells the BBC.
From BBC • Oct. 2, 2025
Bard or pander, Abel’s voice was passable, his playing fair.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
