suitable

adjective

suit·​able ˈsü-tə-bəl 

1

a

: adapted to a use or purpose

suitable for kitchen use

b

: satisfying propriety : proper

suitable dress

c

: able, qualified

a suitable candidate for the job

2

obsolete : similar, matching

suitability

ˌsü-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

suitableness noun

suitably

ˈsü-tə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• able
• capable
• competent
• equal
• fit
• good
• qualified

Choose the Right Synonym for suitable

fit, suitable, meet, proper, appropriate, fitting, apt, happy, felicitous mean right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance.

fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

Examples of suitable in a Sentence

The dress was a suitable choice.

We upgraded the computer to make it suitable to our needs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Investing in digital assets carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. —William Mullane, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Apr. 2024

To create a suitable indoor environment, however, constant use of a humidifier will be necessary since relative humidity around the plant must be at least 50% at all times and the relative humidity in our residences fluctuates between 30 and 50%. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 20 Apr. 2024

The narrow option is suitable for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines while the wide option can be used for Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, MSC, Holland America, Viking, Azamara, and Costa Cruises. —Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2024

Compact, portable power stations are good backup power options for those in smaller spaces (think condos or apartments) and are often suitable for powering smaller home appliances in a pinch. —Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2024

Any skin type, tone, or texture could benefit from a CC cream, however, those looking to address hyperpigmentation, acne-scarring, or rosacea flareups might find these more suitable than other coverage solutions. —Kylee McGuigan, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2024

Both are suitable for vloggers who use a small handheld gimbal like the DJI RS 3 Mini to get stable recordings. —PCMAG, 16 Apr. 2024

This powder would not be suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies. —Alexandra Paetow Ms Rdn, Parents, 15 Apr. 2024

When completed, the facility will be one of just 13 permanent stateside circuits to meet FIA Grade 2 standards, its design and safety features suitable for most forms of road racing short of Formula 1. —Sam Smith, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

suitable

adjective

suit·​able ˈsüt-ə-bəl 

1

: adapted to a use or purpose

food suitable for human consumption

2

: being fit or right for a use or group

clothes suitable to the occasion

a movie suitable for children

3

: qualified sense 1, capable

looking for a suitable replacement

suitability

ˌsüt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

suitableness

ˈsüt-ə-bəl-nəs

noun

suitably

-blē 

adverb