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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
Noun
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 advisor of his/her choosing, including a tax advisor and/or attorney. Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Sep. 2025 However, many did not seem aware of the applicability of the new requirement, prompting Leavitt to post on X in order to clarify any confusion. Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
If a candidate for office receives time on a broadcast that is deemed to be applicable to the rule, the network must give their opponents the opportunity to appear on the network for a similar amount of time. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025 Flores seeks for his 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, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for applicability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicability
Noun
  • That relevance has stuck in Kansas City three weeks later.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
  • With the political violence in his new movie One Battle After Another, Sean Penn is aware of the film’s growing cultural relevance.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • With a PhD in applied physics from Columbia, Ranade said that in his time as a student, most of his classmates either were in finance or major tech companies like Google or Meta.
    Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • That includes providing students with applied and work-based learning experiences in high school, as well as career exposure and exploration opportunities that begin in age-appropriate ways in middle school.
    Matt Gandal, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The victory moves Chicago to 2-2 and keeps them relevant in the NFC North, as the Minnesota Vikings (2-2) lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland, on Sunday.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • In the spirit of staying relevant to the moment that the show is premiering in, how is The Simpsons handling the contemporary political climate with so much scrutiny on comedy?
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For indoor storage, guns should be kept unloaded and locked in appropriate safes or lockboxes for handguns, with ammunition in a separate safe, the AAP recommends.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Harsh chemicals like bleach will damage or harden rubber, so choose the appropriate cleaner based on the material your seal is made from.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For Yulia Evina Bhara, head of international relations at APROFI and founder of KawanKawan Media, the central principle is relevancy.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The projection One day, this space might be a glowing account of Detroit’s return to relevancy.
    The Athletic NHL, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This list is designed to be useful and expansive for all, the new and old to permaculture, and those merely seeking perspective.
    Catherine Habgood September 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Xecrets offers all the important elements of the excellent AxCrypt Premium at a significantly lower price, and the current version adds useful features, including Shamir’s Secret Sharing for key recovery.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s also a special Family Series that’s suitable to attendees of all ages.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Typical seats were replaced with moveable chairs and desks that were suitable but also atypical to Major League setups.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But the phrasing itself is fitting, come to think of it.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Poor-fitting shoes, excess sweat, overtraining, or even your running form can all contribute to blisters.
    Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Applicability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicability. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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