passable

adjective

pass·​able ˈpa-sə-bəl How to pronounce passable (audio)
1
a
: capable of being passed, crossed, or traveled on
passable roads
b
: capable of being freely circulated
2
: good enough : adequate
passably adverb

Examples of passable in a Sentence

The main road is passable but most others are still covered with snow. The river is passable during the summer months. He did a passable job with the assignment. She plays passable golf but prefers 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.
Tech-wise, the infotainment system is passable and functional. Josh Max, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 The main road into town is unpaved — barely passable by car during the ongoing rainy season. Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024 The scientific jargon is silly, and the acting is merely passable. Katie Rife, EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024 No one had cell service, no one knew which bridges were out, which roads were passable. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for passable 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of passable was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near passable

Cite this Entry

“Passable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passable. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

passable

adjective
pass·​able ˈpas-ə-bəl How to pronounce passable (audio)
1
: capable of being passed, crossed, or traveled on
passable roads
2
: barely good enough : tolerable
a passable imitation
passably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on passable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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