Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective apt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of apt are appropriate, felicitous, fitting, fit, happy, meet, proper, and suitable. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When is appropriate a more appropriate choice than apt?

While in some cases nearly identical to apt, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

When can felicitous be used instead of apt?

The words felicitous and apt can be used in similar contexts, but felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

In what contexts can fit take the place of apt?

In some situations, the words fit and apt are roughly equivalent. However, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When might fitting be a better fit than apt?

While the synonyms fitting and apt are close in meaning, fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

Where would happy be a reasonable alternative to apt?

The words happy and apt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

When would meet be a good substitute for apt?

The meanings of meet and apt largely overlap; however, meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When could proper be used to replace apt?

Although the words proper and apt have much in common, proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

When is it sensible to use suitable instead of apt?

The synonyms suitable and apt are sometimes interchangeable, but suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of apt The testimonials were apt for a memorial service, on a Sunday no less. Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 22 Sep. 2025 Pretty apt for an ice cream slinger with so many exotic flavors to its name. Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Sep. 2025 In frustration to falling down three goals, Loons defender Julian Gressel punted the ball high into the sky — perhaps an apt metaphor for the opportunities the Loons kicked away this week. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 21 Sep. 2025 Sports, one of the last bastions of bipartisan broadcast TV viewing, is apt to keep the network-station binary from completely dissolving. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apt
Adjective
  • When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2025
  • During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s also a special Family Series that’s suitable to attendees of all ages.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Typical seats were replaced with moveable chairs and desks that were suitable but also atypical to Major League setups.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The upshot is that housing inventory will remain limited as boomers are less inclined to downsize to smaller homes and have the financial means to stay put.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025
  • In the last nine months especially, Aliyev has grown more wary of Russia and more inclined to pursue peace with Armenia.
    Thomas de Waal, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For indoor storage, guns should be kept unloaded and locked in appropriate safes or lockboxes for handguns, with ammunition in a separate safe, the AAP recommends.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Harsh chemicals like bleach will damage or harden rubber, so choose the appropriate cleaner based on the material your seal is made from.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But the phrasing itself is fitting, come to think of it.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Poor-fitting shoes, excess sweat, overtraining, or even your running form can all contribute to blisters.
    Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Without proper padding and protection, your device risks scratches, dents, or worse, internal damage.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Additional resources for homeless children and youth Phoenix Union launched a district resource center after Tercero learned some students weren’t attending class due to a lack of proper clothing.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Not only is the warm color palette perfect for the upcoming season, but the flowy, breathable drape of the skirt, paired with a fitted bodice, is the ideal style for layering.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2025
  • For fitted sheets, follow the same steps, just without the hospital corners.
    Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Veteran defender David Luiz may also play a key role if fit.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The film centers on American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek), who is tasked with determining whether Nazi prisoners are fit to stand trial for their atrocities and finds himself in a complex battle of wits with former Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe), Hitler’s right-hand man.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apt. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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