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

As such, the court is suitable for vessels that cannot accommodate additional fittings. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024

All plants are suitable for planting in southeastern Wisconsin-area gardens, with Master Gardeners available to answer questions. —Journal Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2024

Though it’s written for children ages 8-12, the new book is suitable for fans of all ages, and makes a great gift idea too. —Tim Chan, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024

Smaller cloths, those that measure 12 x 12 inches or less, may only be suitable for one cleaning task at a time. —Jenna Clark, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2024

Unsurprisingly, fish oil supplements contain fish and aren’t suitable for kids with seafood allergies. —Isabel Vasquez, Rd, Ldn, Parents, 4 Apr. 2024

But even the southern Lower Peninsula, in the oak savannahs, those areas probably aren’t that suitable for a wolf. —Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2024

Investing in digital assets carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. —Kyle Russell, Journal Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2024

This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. —Wes Moss, Forbes, 27 Mar. 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