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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 new legislation will be applicable to transactions occurring on and after July 10. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 The war between Russia and Ukraine is not perfectly analogous to contingencies that the United States may face in the future, and not every lesson in Ukraine is applicable to U.S. military planning, but this war is nonetheless full of instructive technological innovations and breakthroughs. Jon Finer, Foreign Affairs, 7 July 2025 Judge Arun Subramanian said the applicable law didn't allow for Combs' release at this point. arkansasonline.com, 3 July 2025 This same need for healthy dialogue is just as applicable to a different challenge to Southern Baptist cooperation, specifically with how SBC leaders share a shrinking pool of resources. Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for applicability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicability
Noun
  • An examiner's case theory or personal assumptions about relevance can influence which data makes it into the final report.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Were overzealous Christians seeking social relevance by forcing a connection?
    Rusty Wright, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 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
  • These tools could: Automatically generate product images and video ads Fill in missing data for third-party listings Rewrite product titles, bullet points and descriptions to be more relevant Now, with Starfish, Amazon wants to scale that effort across millions of listings.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2025
  • In 2022, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission sent a letter urging the more than 2,000 manufacturers and importers of ebikes to review the relevant safety standards and ensure that their products comply with them.
    Stephanie Pearson, Wired News, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Bad guests consider every horizontal surface to be an appropriate trash receptacle.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • In theory, the maps enable homeowners, businesses and local officials to understand their flood risk and take appropriate steps to prepare and mitigate potential losses.
    Jeremy Porter, CBS News, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Hernandez could one day bring more star power and become a cornerstone in Pittsburgh’s push back toward league relevancy.
    Devon Henderson, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • When then President Barack Obama took office in 2009, the year the NAACP turned 100, an episode of NPR’s Talk of the Nation centered on the organization’s relevancy, especially with a Black man in the Oval Office.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • There's no doubt that fanny packs are useful travel bags, but they’re not always considered to be the most fashion-forward option.
    Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
  • The Pixel 9 Pro XL produces great photos that capture outstanding, clear details, and the generative AI app, Pixel Studio, is a fun and useful creative tool.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • This content is not, nor is intended to be, trading or investment advice or a recommendation that any investment product or strategy is suitable for any person.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Eco-stones made from recycled materials require less water and energy than pumice and are suitable for high-capacity batch processing.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Bishop sleeves are loose fitting down the arm and gathered at the wrist, whereas bell sleeves are fitted down most of the arm but open into a large bell shape.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
  • As is fitting for an ‘80s throwback, the Electric Blue Razz soda is only available in full sugar, as in there’s no diet version of this brilliantly-hued drink.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Applicability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicability. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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