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applicable

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word applicable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of applicable are apposite, apropos, germane, material, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.

the rule is not applicable in this case

When is apposite a more appropriate choice than applicable?

The meanings of apposite and applicable largely overlap; however, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

When would apropos be a good substitute for applicable?

While in some cases nearly identical to applicable, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

In what contexts can germane take the place of applicable?

In some situations, the words germane and applicable are roughly equivalent. However, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When might material be a better fit than applicable?

Although the words material and applicable have much in common, material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When can pertinent be used instead of applicable?

The synonyms pertinent and applicable are sometimes interchangeable, but pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

When is it sensible to use relevant instead of applicable?

The words relevant and applicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

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 applicability
Noun
This high-temperature requirement has severely restricted the tech’s applicability, especially in compact or mobile systems. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025 However, many did not seem aware of the applicability of the new requirement, prompting Leavitt to post on X in order to clarify any confusion. Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The chatbot helped White identify potential errors in a judge’s procedural decisions, chart out possible courses of action, research applicable laws and draft responses to the court. Angela Yang, NBC news, 8 Oct. 2025 But the study’s findings may not be applicable to all adults age 65 and older since the researchers focused their efforts in Canada, where patients have access to universal health care. Gina Park, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for applicability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicability
Noun
  • From migrants and colonizers to gossip and war, Emily Wilson examines The Aeneid and its relevance to the modern world.
    tumblr.com, tumblr.com, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Earn valuable welcome bonuses with a Chase card Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Moving beyond the theory of the market, those skilled in applied finance understand how to make practical decisions in financial spaces.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
  • That’s why 2025’s Nobel Prize, about quantum advances that relate to macroscopic scales, from quantum tunneling to voltage-free current flows, truly represents a remarkable advance in applied physics.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Nominations can only be submitted by individuals who meet strict eligibility criteria, including national lawmakers, university professors in relevant disciplines, and past laureates of the Peace Prize.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The committee evaluates nominations from qualified proposers—such as heads of state, national legislators, professors in relevant disciplines, past laureates, and directors of foreign policy or peace institutes.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Multiple artists, including Marina Abramović, are credited as fine-arts collaborators for Masquerade, all of whom allowed the production to feature their thematically appropriate work.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Additional event information will be shared when appropriate.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Daboll needed to guide the Giants back to relevancy in the NFC East this year, but thus far, his team has continued to struggle.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Leaders across the industry are fighting to combat a global luxury slowdown and searching for new ways to maintain relevancy, reinvigorate their relationships with shoppers, while improving their bottom line.
    Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Likely to become more useful as the season goes on.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Amgui Two-Story Tiny Home There are so many useful and charming features to this Amazon tiny home.
    Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Field Study Woven Tartan Runner Rug Not all patterns are suitable for every home, but this inviting runner rug can truly work with every style.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The stretchy material allows for easy movement, which is suitable for workouts and lounging.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The characters deal with real-life teen emotions—like fitting in and missing a loved one—while chasing big dreams together.
    Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The tricky part is fitting hammer throw, javelin and discus into the equation.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Applicability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicability. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

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