Synonyms of suitable
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
suitableness noun
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 acknowledgment

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Researchers fabricated the devices on 4-inch wafers as well as flexible substrates, potentially making the architecture suitable for electronics that need to conform to non-flat surfaces. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026 The kitchen is a highlight in this model and is definitely suitable for full-time living. — New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026 Leaf, glossy and metal finishes are suitable for indoor use only. — ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026 Generally, racehorses aren’t suitable for young children or beginners, and owners must have the space and wherewithal to feed and care for them, which can cost thousands of dollars a year. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suitable

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of suitable was in 1563

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Cite this Entry

“Suitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suitable. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

suitable

adjective
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
suitableness
ˈsüt-ə-bəl-nəs
noun
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