suitable

adjective

suit·​able ˈsü-tə-bəl How to pronounce suitable (audio)
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 noun
suitableness noun
suitably adverb
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 This content is not, nor is intended to be, trading or investment advice or a recommendation that any investment product or strategy is suitable for any person. Jj Kinahan, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 In soft cream fabric suitable for any interior design style, The Drew Chair also features three accent pillows and a 360-degree swivel base. Hannah Chubb, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs. The Enquirer, 27 Feb. 2024 In areas like Prospect Lefferts Gardens in Brooklyn, where 3-K programs are scarce, others are already bracing to not receive a suitable offer. Troy Closson, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024 Investing in digital assets carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Jon Stojan, Detroit Free Press, 23 Feb. 2024 An important part of this process was developing a suitable prompt for the models. The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024 There are some cases when a specific accommodation may not be suitable due to cost or the impact on the workforce, but your company (not you) bears the burden of proving an accommodation is a burden. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 Recruiters work primarily for companies that pay them to find suitable candidates. Gina Riley, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'suitable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of suitable was in 1563

Dictionary Entries Near suitable

Cite this Entry

“Suitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suitable. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

suitable

adjective
suit·​able ˈsüt-ə-bəl How to pronounce suitable (audio)
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 noun
suitableness
ˈsüt-ə-bəl-nəs
noun
suitably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on suitable

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