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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 policies instruct health care workers to have law enforcement officers fill out forms and provide applicable warrants, subpoenas or other documents before contacting or receiving information about a patient. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Flores also intends for the case to be certified as a class action on behalf of all Black head coaches, offensive and defensive coordinators, and QB coaches, as well as general managers, and Black candidates for those positions who would fall within the applicable statute of limitations. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2025 But lawmakers could instead push for generally applicable safety measures that would protect kids and adults alike. Albert Fox Cahn, The Atlantic, 11 Aug. 2025 This will be applicable throughout games, including pregame activities and halftime in and out of the locker room as well as on the sideline. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for applicability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicability
Noun
  • Affiliate marketing and publisher commerce content could lose relevance if agents bypass their links entirely.
    Jason Goldberg, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • But the company is fighting back by working to rebuild cultural relevance, starting with football and expanding into team sports.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • With developers and non-developers alike embracing AI agents to automate, iterate, and build entire applications, this space is becoming one of the hottest frontiers in applied artificial intelligence.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • In the life sciences segment, Blair said that while clinical and applied markets demand was good globally, it was offset by weak demand in academic and government end markets — a continuation of the dynamics seen in recent quarters.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Most relevant governmental agencies have avoided looking into the turbines’ impact in a meaningful way.
    Andrew R. Chow, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
  • The new system, which users can access online, will automatically notify relevant parties once a complaint is filed.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The President and the Trump White House are fully committed to working with the appropriate organizations to preserving the special history of the White House while building a beautiful ballroom that can be enjoyed by future Administrations and generations of Americans to come.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
  • From developing a project's financial structure to securing appropriate permits and zoning permissions to actual site construction, developers face a potentially long road to realizing their projects.
    Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Morgan Eaves, executive director of the Kentucky Democratic Party, said social media and other messaging tools, along with the electoral shift, have contributed to the event's change in relevancy.
    Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 28 July 2025
  • The report also urges brands to co-design garments and collections with consumers to ensure relevancy.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • To him, these forgeries were useful in convincing skeptics of fractal geometry’s usefulness.
    Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Lead with a useful tip or a light-hearted take, then weave in your message.
    John Hall, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Project Neighbors Executive Director Carmen Vincent said the homes would be suitable for nurses, teachers, grocery store clerks, senior citizens and others who need affordable homes.
    Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Investments in securities entail risk and are not suitable for all investors.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Less fitting was just how few words Love — who had long been estranged from Brian Wilson — said about the late Beach Boys’ mastermind before and after the video tribute.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025
  • Gray’s emphasis on everyday beauty and individuality finds a fitting home in a space designed to celebrate craftsmanship and sensory richness.
    Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 11 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Applicability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicability. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025.

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