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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
Adjective
The National Park Service is directed to use applicable authorities to seek to enter into agreements with others, and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation in particular, to enhance public services and promote management efficiencies. Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2025 None of the firm's attorneys have been accused of violating any applicable rules of professional conduct. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025 Travelers also need to bring a valid passport, documents that prove residence (such as a driver’s license with a current address, mortgage statement, rental payment statement, or utility bill), a permanent resident card (if applicable), and a same-day boarding pass. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 18 June 2025 Holcomb objected, saying it hasn't been established that that definition is applicable to this case. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for applicability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicability
Noun
  • What’s interesting is that some brands were featured organically in outfits worn on screen, while others were built prominently into the plot—and both forms of product placement proved lucrative when approached with careful planning and relevance.
    Alison Bringé, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Inter Miami is a relatively new MLS franchise, with co-owner David Beckham – who may have felt a modicum of sympathy for his former club, the LA Galaxy, not getting an invite to FIFA’s party – the original reason for this franchise gaining relevance in 2018.
    Glen Levy, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • That’s where the distinction between applied and contextual AI becomes critical.
    ByTheodore Krantz Jr, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • At the time, most basic and applied research was done by the military.
    Paul Bierman, The Conversation, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Uncomfortable moments, such as when Luke Armstrong’s record £500,000 transfer from Harrogate Town collapsed due to a failure to submit the relevant paperwork in time, have previously been totally ignored.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • The way our system works is when a marked paper ballot is scanned in, the machine takes a photo of the front and back of the sheet and also creates an associated electronic file, the cast vote record, with all the relevant data from that ballot.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • District officials insist that their use of arts money has been legal and appropriate.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
  • While 100 grams of protein might seem excessive, this amount is appropriate for many people.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • There are concerns that these products will lose relevancy in the quickly-advancing world of AI – and Nvidia has already started shipping out the model’s successor, Blackwell.
    Julie Coleman, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2025
  • All About Connor McCaffery Haliburton and Clark have both become major stars in Indiana for leading their teams to relevancy following years of playoff droughts for both the Fever and the Pacers.
    Natasha Dye, People.com, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • For instance, a folding utility cart with wheels might be the best option for some, while others may find an electric utility cart more useful.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
  • This is what makes average household income so useful in this analysis of the wealthiest cities in Arkansas.
    Andrew DePietro, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • This new moon is particularly suitable for projects or processes that have to do with your well-being, your home, your family, or your emotional balance.
    Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 24 June 2025
  • Consider timing: This approach may be suitable for startups with equity or roles that have clear growth trajectories but avoid it if unclear reporting structures exist.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Leadership in 2025 and beyond requires fitting humans, who supply feelings and ethics, together with technology that enhances the speed, reach, and uniformity of processes.
    Mark Minevich, Fortune, 25 June 2025
  • The key for Niang, who enters a contract year during an era where elite shooting is quite invaluable, will be fitting into the team defense.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Applicability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicability. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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