com·pat·i·ble
kəm-ˈpa-tə-bəl 
1
: capable of existing together in harmony
compatible theories
compatible people
2
: capable of cross-fertilizing freely or uniting vegetatively
3
: capable of forming a homogeneous mixture that neither separates nor is altered by chemical interaction
4
: capable of being used in transfusion or grafting without reaction (such as agglutination or tissue rejection)
5
: designed to work with another device or system without modification
The printer is compatible with most computers.
especially
: being a computer designed to operate in the same manner and use the same software as another computer
plural compatibles
: a device (such as a computer) or system designed to be used with another device or system without modification
This game is available on disk as well as in a full-voiced CD edition for PCs and compatibles.—
Scott A. May
Scott A. May
Synonyms
Examples of compatible in a Sentence
Adjective
two people with compatible personalities
This printer is compatible with most PCs.
Recent Examples on the WebDavid Phelan, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
The lens doesn't feature any image stabilization, though all but the earliest compatible a7 and all full-frame Z cameras include 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS).
—PCMAG, 28 Mar. 2024
In this most recent procedure, researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to remove pig genes that provoke a negative response in humans and to add human genes that would make the kidney more compatible, according to a statement from the Harvard Medical School.
—Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Mar. 2024
But functionality is limited to apps that are compatible, and many developers do not account for accessibility features in their code.
—Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Mar. 2024
The strip is less expensive than other options, connects via Wi-Fi to the Govee app, and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
—Pamela Porter, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2024
This camera is compatible with both I-Type and 600 film.
—Alesandra Dubin, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024
The new Alta brewer will be compatible with current plastic K-Cups as well, but unfortunately for current owners of Keurig machines, CNET reports the new plastic- and aluminum-free rounds are not compatible with past models.
—Angela L. Pagán / The Takeout, Quartz, 18 Mar. 2024
This device is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
—Stack Commerce, Popular Science, 14 Mar. 2024
IEEE Spectrum, 6 Dec. 2018
Custom-tailored for each astronaut, the suits are roughly 10 pounds lighter than their bulky orange predecessors, and come equipped with some top-notch features including thinner, more-flexible helmets and gloves that are touch-screen compatible.
—Amy Klinkhammer, Discover Magazine, 27 Jan. 2017
All televisions marketed as HDR-compatible should support this standard.
—Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 18 Nov. 2019
In addition to its slightly larger 10.2-inch retina display, features like the Smart Connector make the new tablet compatible with the full-size Smart Keyboard once relegated to the iPad Pro.
—Patrick Lucas Austin, Time, 10 Sep. 2019
Look for cases that are wireless charging-compatible.
—Nicole Saporita, Good Housekeeping, 20 Dec. 2018
With the success of the PC and PC compatibles, Microsoft became hugely successful.
—Peter Bright, Ars Technica, 16 Oct. 2018
Each zip file contains a vector EPS (Adobe Illustrator version 8+ compatible) and some artists will also include PDF and AI files as well.
—Jenny Knizner, USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2018
Microsoft is also warning, again, that all Windows updates now require the use of a compatible, up-to-date anti-virus program.
—Peter Bright, Ars Technica, 1 Mar. 2018
Adjective
The display is compatible with Samsung’s stylus, the S Pen, which snaps magnetically to the edge of the tablet.
—David Phelan, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
The lens doesn't feature any image stabilization, though all but the earliest compatible a7 and all full-frame Z cameras include 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS).
—PCMAG, 28 Mar. 2024
In this most recent procedure, researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to remove pig genes that provoke a negative response in humans and to add human genes that would make the kidney more compatible, according to a statement from the Harvard Medical School.
—Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Mar. 2024
But functionality is limited to apps that are compatible, and many developers do not account for accessibility features in their code.
—Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Mar. 2024
The strip is less expensive than other options, connects via Wi-Fi to the Govee app, and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
—Pamela Porter, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2024
This camera is compatible with both I-Type and 600 film.
—Alesandra Dubin, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024
The new Alta brewer will be compatible with current plastic K-Cups as well, but unfortunately for current owners of Keurig machines, CNET reports the new plastic- and aluminum-free rounds are not compatible with past models.
—Angela L. Pagán / The Takeout, Quartz, 18 Mar. 2024
This device is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
—Stack Commerce, Popular Science, 14 Mar. 2024
Noun
RadioShack was the biggest retailer of PCs through 1982, at which point its TRS-80 line began to be eclipsed by more powerful and versatile machines, including IBM’s Personal Computer, various IBM PC-compatibles, and Apple’s Macintosh line.
—IEEE Spectrum, 6 Dec. 2018
Custom-tailored for each astronaut, the suits are roughly 10 pounds lighter than their bulky orange predecessors, and come equipped with some top-notch features including thinner, more-flexible helmets and gloves that are touch-screen compatible.
—Amy Klinkhammer, Discover Magazine, 27 Jan. 2017
All televisions marketed as HDR-compatible should support this standard.
—Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 18 Nov. 2019
In addition to its slightly larger 10.2-inch retina display, features like the Smart Connector make the new tablet compatible with the full-size Smart Keyboard once relegated to the iPad Pro.
—Patrick Lucas Austin, Time, 10 Sep. 2019
Look for cases that are wireless charging-compatible.
—Nicole Saporita, Good Housekeeping, 20 Dec. 2018
With the success of the PC and PC compatibles, Microsoft became hugely successful.
—Peter Bright, Ars Technica, 16 Oct. 2018
Each zip file contains a vector EPS (Adobe Illustrator version 8+ compatible) and some artists will also include PDF and AI files as well.
—Jenny Knizner, USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2018
Microsoft is also warning, again, that all Windows updates now require the use of a compatible, up-to-date anti-virus program.
—Peter Bright, Ars Technica, 1 Mar. 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compatible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English, from Medieval Latin compatibilis, literally, sympathetic, from Late Latin compati
First Known Use
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
1972, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of compatible was
in the 15th century
Phrases Containing compatible
Dictionary Entries Near compatible
Cite this Entry
“Compatible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compatible. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
compatible
adjective
com·pat·i·ble
kəm-ˈpat-ə-bəl
1
: capable of existing together in harmony
compatible colors
compatible devices
2
: able to cross-fertilize freely
compatible plants
Medical Definition
compatible
adjective
com·pat·i·ble
kəm-ˈpat-ə-bəl
1
: capable of existing together in a satisfactory relationship (as marriage)
2
: capable of being used in transfusion or grafting without immunological reaction (as agglutination or tissue rejection)
treatment of hemophilia by transfusion of compatible blood
3
of medications
: capable of being administered jointly without interacting to produce deleterious effects or impairing their respective actions
More from Merriam-Webster on compatible
Nglish: Translation of compatible for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of compatible for Arabic Speakers
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