Synonyms of applicability

applicability 1 of 2

noun

as in relevance

the fact or state of being pertinent

we have to question the applicability of much of the information he has included in his report

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relevance
• relevancy
• connection
• pertinence
• bearing
• significance
• importance
• materiality
• suitability
• appropriateness
• usefulness
• aptness
• fitness
• rightness
• suitableness
• seemliness
• appositeness
• fittingness
• felicitousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inapplicability
• irrelevance
• irrelevancy
• unfitness
• unsuitability
• inappropriateness
• insignificance
• infelicity
• extraneousness
• uselessness
• meaninglessness
• inaptness
• pointlessness
• inappositeness

applicable

2 of 2

adjective

ˈa-pli-kə-bəl 

1

as in applied

capable of being put to use or account

is that information applicable in this case?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• applied
• useful
• applicative
• practical
• practicable
• pragmatic
• usable
• actionable
• workable
• functional
• available
• working
• serviceable
• ultrapractical
• obtainable
• operating
• accessible
• utilitarian
• handy
• employed
• operative
• reachable
• functioning
• mundane
• down-to-earth
• active
• banausic
• busy
• alive
• all-around

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inapplicable
• impracticable
• impractical
• useless
• theoretical
• unworkable
• abstract
• unusable
• academic
• unavailable
• inaccessible
• unobtainable
• nonpractical
• unattainable
• unsuitable
• unreachable
• armchair

2

as in relevant

having to do with the matter at hand

that comment isn't applicable to our discussion

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relevant
• pertinent
• appropriate
• relative
• pointed
• useful
• important
• to the point
• meaningful
• germane
• suitable
• apposite
• apropos
• fitting
• material
• allowable
• apt
• significant
• admissible
• fit
• sensible

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inapplicable
• irrelevant
• immaterial
• extraneous
• pointless
• minor
• negligible
• trivial
• little
• unimportant
• insignificant
• impertinent
• inapposite
• frivolous
• slight
• inconsequential
• useless
• trifling
• meaningless
• irrelative
• unsuitable
• inappropriate
• purposeless
• senseless
• inadmissible
• inapt

3

as in appropriate

meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation

a knack for selecting the most applicable word

Synonyms & Similar Words

• appropriate
• suitable
• fitting
• proper
• fitted
• fit
• good
• happy
• meet
• acceptable
• in order
• adequate
• right
• pretty
• required
• becoming
• apt
• needed
• balanced
• befitting
• felicitous
• satisfactory
• justified
• deserved
• capable
• able
• requisite
• qualified
• competent
• correct
• decent
• just
• trained
• serviceable
• decorous
• tolerable
• kosher
• condign
• rightful
• respectable
• consonant
• cut out
• harmonious
• pitch-perfect
• congruous
• seemly
• companionate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inapplicable
• improper
• inappropriate
• wrong
• unsuitable
• unfit
• unhappy
• incongruous
• incapable
• indecent
• unfitting
• unbecoming
• unseemly
• inadequate
• incompetent
• inapt
• inapposite
• unacceptable
• unsatisfactory
• unskilled
• unqualified
• untrained
• inept
• intolerable
• infelicitous
• inexpert
• unmeet
• unapt
• unbeseeming
• incorrect
• unskillful
• misbecoming
• incompatible
• malapropos
• indecorous
• graceless
• uncongenial

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

Recent Examples of applicability

Noun

And while mice are not humans, the biology the team has identified is highly conserved across animals, Naik explains, and this suggests the finding may have some applicability to humans. —Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026

To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional adviser of his/her choosing, including a tax adviser and/or attorney. —Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Mar. 2026

Adjective

Homeowners associations must adopt hurricane protection specifications for every parcel governed by the association, and these typically include the color and style for products that comply with the applicable building code. —Nicole R. Kurtz, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026

The discount of up to 40 cents is in accordance with applicable state law. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 6 May 2026