applicable

1 of 2

adjective

ap·​pli·​ca·​ble ˈa-pli-kə-bəl 

also

ə-ˈpli-kə- 

: capable of or suitable for being applied : appropriate

statutes applicable to the case

A fee is applicable when a scheduled payment is late.

applicability

ˌa-pli-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

also ə-ˌpli-kə-

noun

applicability

2 of 2

noun

ap·​pli·​ca·​bil·​i·​ty ˌa-pli-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē also ə-ˌpli-kə- 

plural -es

: the quality or state of being applicable

Synonyms of applicable

Adjective

• applied
• useful
• applicative
• practical
• practicable

Choose the Right Synonym for applicable

relevant, germane, material, pertinent, apposite, applicable, apropos mean relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand.

relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.

the rule is not applicable in this case

apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

Examples of applicable in a Sentence

Adjective

Businesses must comply with all applicable laws.

is that information applicable in this case?

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Participants are solely responsible for any taxes, duties, customs fees, or other governmental charges associated with receipt or use of a prize, if applicable. — The Athletic, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

If applicable, photos can be taken with low apertures, wide-angle lenses and tripods. — Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

The experiences of Japan and Singapore offer lessons that are broadly applicable across the region. — Runchana Pongsaparn, Fortune, 31 July 2026

Federal law prohibits debt collectors from collecting any amount — including interest, fees or other charges — unless those amounts are expressly authorized by the original contract or permitted under applicable state law. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 30 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Middle French applicable, applicquable, borrowed from Medieval Latin applicābilis, from Latin applicāre "to bring into contact (with), apply" + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy (of being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

Adjective

1548, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for applicable

• inapplicable

Kids Definition

applicable

adjective

ap·​pli·​ca·​ble ˈap-li-kə-bəl 

also

ə-ˈplik-ə- 

: capable of being put to use or put into practice : appropriate

applicability

ˌap-li-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

also ə-ˌplik-ə-

noun