Plausible
//ˈplɔː.zɪ.bl̩// adj
adj ·Moderate ·College level
Definitions
Adjective
- 1 Seemingly or apparently valid, likely, or acceptable; conceivably true or likely.
"a plausible excuse"
- 2 Obtaining approbation; specifically pleasing; apparently right; specious.
"a plausible pretext; plausible manners; a plausible delusion"
- 3 Worthy of being applauded; praiseworthy; commendable; ready. obsolete
"capable of receiving a plauſible Anſwer"
Adjective
- 1 apparently reasonable and credible, and therefore convincing wordnet
- 2 given to or characterized by presenting specious arguments wordnet
Example
More examples"Your explanation sounds plausible, but it just doesn't hold water."
Etymology
From Latin plausibilis (“deserving applause, praiseworthy, acceptable, pleasing”), from the participle stem of plaudere (“to applaud”).
Related phrases
More for "plausible"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.