Definition of practicablenext
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as in useful
capable of or suitable for being used for a particular purpose that flimsy little saw is not a very practicable tool for cutting heavy tree branches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective practicable differ from other similar words?

The words feasible and possible are common synonyms of practicable. While all three words mean "capable of being realized," practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions.

a solution that is not practicable in the time available

When is feasible a more appropriate choice than practicable?

The words feasible and practicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired.

commercially feasible for mass production

In what contexts can possible take the place of practicable?

Although the words possible and practicable have much in common, possible implies that a thing may certainly exist or occur given the proper conditions.

a possible route up the west face of the mountain

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 practicable An actual, practicable solution will require more research—and more money. Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026 More information will follow when practicable. Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 4 Jan. 2026 This makes county fairs almost like quasi-governmental organizations, said Ahlers of the Anoka County Fair, even though some of the privileges aren’t exactly practicable. Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025 To that end, Democratic congressional leadership has implored their counterparts to start talks as soon as practicable, considering any piece of legislation will require 60 votes in the Senate. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • If possible, set aside some time today to journal, listen to your favorite music, or just take a nap!
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
  • If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Garden admission is applicable for nonmembers.
    Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Stanford School of Medicine prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • For homeowners, spring is a useful time to review records for mortgage interest, property taxes, home office expenses, if applicable, and receipts for major home improvements that may be worth keeping for future tax purposes.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Listen fully, because useful details hide in ordinary words.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Wagner is also doubtful of the new plans to establish ways to remove microplastics from the body—and, even if achievable through new techniques, whether that will ultimately lead to health benefits.
    Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Medical science has made that goal increasingly achievable.
    Nicole Kruegel, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Your big vision is about to meet a practical checkpoint.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • His practical advice fares better than both his theories and his pallid attempts at profundity.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
  • With abundant nutrients available, algal growth can explode, reducing oxygen levels and harming aquatic life.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For many Americans, transportation options such as taking the bus aren't feasible, given that many regions lack mass transit.
    Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Part of the purpose of exploration is to find out which of these futures is feasible.
    Scott Pace, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Efforts to enable reversible, two-way actuation have led to the development of systems such as semi-crystalline networks and liquid crystalline elastomers, which depend on structural alignment under applied stress.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Scott received her master's in leadership from Belhaven University and has a bachelor's in applied psychology from Christian Brothers University.
    Lucas Finton, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 2 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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