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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 applicable There’s knowledge from that experience and insight gained through Reid that would be valuable and applicable to the Bears’ efforts to develop Williams. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025 Industry sources urge prospective residents to carefully investigate a facility’s financial soundness and applicable state laws, and to have lawyers or financial advisers vet contracts. Paula Span, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 For one, Xue and her team didn’t know which kinds of health conditions the care recipients had, so the results may not be universally applicable to everyone who ends up in a sandwich carer position. Maggie O'Neill, Health, 17 Jan. 2025 Under the current rules, continuing education providers that provide education to practitioners must be approved by the IRS, obtain a continuing education number, and pay any applicable user fee. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for applicable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicable
Adjective
  • Corporate improv is an offshoot of applied improvisation, a field that explores the benefits of improv outside the theater.
    Sam Sanders, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
  • In September 2023, Danaher spun off its environmental and applied solutions segment into a water and packaging quality company named Veralto .
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Its remarkable flexibility — allowing relationships between Sims of any gender since 2000, as well as support for a healthy modding community — has kept it socially relevant over time like few other video game series, even as its core appeal remains largely unchanged.
    Susan Stone, NPR, 1 Feb. 2025
  • A lot of hospitals aren’t renovated, so all of this equipment is still relevant.
    Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Daniel Driscoll, the military veteran and businessman whom Trump has nominated to lead the Army, said today at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee that conducting such training near an airport like Reagan might not be appropriate.
    NBC News, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Precautions When Taking Supplements Supplementing may not be appropriate for everyone.
    Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Those may contain information about a person’s vulnerabilities that would be useful to the hostile foreign governments that hope to recruit NNSA employees to their cause.
    Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025
  • So he’s been a writer on the show, and it’s been a really useful resource.
    Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, generally, a surprising number of business owners fail to protect their company's products and brands with suitable patents and trademarks.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
  • What to Consider The vibrant print is definitely a standout design that may not be suitable for all.
    Jessica Macdonald, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Whether or not this truly marks the end of The Weeknd, his ability to merge music and visual spectacle continues to evolve, making Hurry Up Tomorrow a fitting conclusion to this phase of his career.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Intentional or otherwise, this makes for a fitting embodiment of how mane people operate amid global tragedy; out of sight, out of mind.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The sleek style is a practical swap for jeans that instantly dress up your outfit.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
  • By all indications, the 119th Congress needs both practical guidance and a moral compass.
    John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Reacting to the decision by the Trump administration to close the U.S. visa section of the embassy in Colombia, Petro said there are thousands of Americans living in Colombia without proper documentation.
    Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The show leaves us with the reminder that without proper investment in healthcare infrastructure, even the most skilled medical teams can be hindered in their efforts to save lives.
    Isadora Wandermurem, TIME, 25 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near applicable

Cite this Entry

“Applicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicable. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on applicable

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