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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 distinguishes valuable insight is not its novelty of origin, but its clarity, coherence and relevance.
    Chris Reed, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025
  • Her analysis demonstrates Douglass’s historical foresight, reinforcing his ongoing relevance.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 4 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
  • Vera, the buzzy, brilliant and preternaturally observant ten-year-old central to Gary Shteyngart’s sardonic and profoundly relevant new novel, brings a fresh, necessary perspective to our evolving dystopian universe.
    Jane Ciabattari July 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
  • For nearly a decade, Case has also been toiling away on songs for a musical adaptation of the classic (and still relevant) 1991 film Thelma & Louise with the film’s director, Callie Khouri, who wrote the book for the show.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • These ribbons can be steamed, boiled, or even served raw with an appropriate sauce.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 4 July 2025
  • But through that time, the boy has received appropriate care.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • These trends are accelerating, and organizations will continue to feel pressure to deliver a new standard of relevancy and personalization for end users—and to set themselves apart from their competitors.
    Andrew Davidson, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • 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
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
  • Moist soil is important; however, areas where moisture accumulates during the winter are not suitable as this will make the tubers rot.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • Each piece has a sturdy coated iron frame that’s rust-resistant and suitable for year-round outdoor exposure, while the chairs are covered in a quick-drying breathable fabric that’s fade- and UV-resistant.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Maybe Bernie Ecclestone was right about fitting racetracks with sprinklers.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2025
  • The Fourth of July is all about celebrating freedom — and really, what’s more fitting than free stuff?
    Julia Gomez, Austin American Statesman, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Applicability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicability. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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