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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective suitable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of suitable are appropriate, apt, felicitous, fitting, fit, happy, meet, and proper. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

In what contexts can appropriate take the place of suitable?

The meanings of appropriate and suitable largely overlap; however, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

Where would apt be a reasonable alternative to suitable?

The synonyms apt and suitable are sometimes interchangeable, but apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When could felicitous be used to replace suitable?

In some situations, the words felicitous and suitable are roughly equivalent. However, felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

When is fit a more appropriate choice than suitable?

While in some cases nearly identical to suitable, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When would fitting be a good substitute for suitable?

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

a fitting end

When might happy be a better fit than suitable?

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

a happy choice of words

When is it sensible to use meet instead of suitable?

The words meet and suitable can be used in similar contexts, but meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When can proper be used instead of suitable?

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

proper acknowledgement

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 suitable However, before 2520 BCE, this sacred ground was not a suitable location for settlement. Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2025 Designed by University of Waterloo researchers, the solid gravity energy storage system is claimed to be suitable for storing renewable energy. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025 Bad Bunny’s global reach The xenophobic fervor against Bad Bunny has led political leaders like House Speaker Mike Johnson to call for a more suitable figure for the Super Bowl, such as country music artist Lee Greenwood. Ediberto Román, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2025 Futures, stocks, and crypto trading are speculative and may not be suitable for every investor. Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitable
Adjective
  • The enhanced tax credits meant families like the Galls qualified.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The short has already qualified for Academy Award consideration and will begin its official Oscar campaign this season.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The appropriate State or local election official shall place such names on the official voting list.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Reddit threads dissect what’s real and what’s not, cataloging whether a timepiece is authentic, era-appropriate, or even properly worn.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Running back Chase Brown had his best game of the year on the ground, rushing for 108 yards on just 11 carries against the Pittsburgh defense.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Arkansas’ best offense in a decade is being wasted by a defense that is shaping up to be one of the worst in program history.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The earthy color also seems very fitting for this time of year.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • There’s a completely different energy during Joe’s tux fitting.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As drone warfare evolves, the service aims to field layered defenses capable of protecting maneuver units against everything from quadcopters to cruise missiles.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Whether the Monster is part of Ana’s imagination or not, the scene carries a fragile, haunting power, suggesting that the only person capable of rescuing Ana from the pervasive mystery and misery of her home life belongs to the supernatural, outside the punishing borders of Franco’s Spain.
    Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • October marks the proper start of fall, and there’s no better time to plan an autumnal getaway—luckily, Amazon is overflowing with deals on everything from cozy layers to lightweight weekenders, plus hiking gear that can handle the crisp mornings.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The tour ended at a ranch, where we were greeted with cold towels, bottled water and a proper Vincy breakfast—a reward that made the early wake-up worth it.
    Essence, Essence, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • An elder-care assistant needs a verifiable history of respectful, competent service.
    Jan Liphardt, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Passing them will ensure that my son, and thousands of others like him, have access to competent and inclusive health care.
    Maura Sullivan, Boston Herald, 14 Oct. 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
  • The fitted black gown features oversize gemstones and a plunging neckline, pockets and just enough of a train to add a little drama to an already daring ensemble.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitable. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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