APPLICABLE Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

applicable

adjective

ˈa-pli-kə-bəl

Definition of applicable

as in applied

capable of being put to use or account is that information applicable in this case?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relevant

having to do with the matter at hand that comment isn't applicable to our discussion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in appropriate

meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation a knack for selecting the most applicable word

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Companies serving Florida residents are subject to applicable federal and state consumer protection requirements. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026 If winner is deemed to be a minor under the jurisdiction of his/her residence, the prize will be awarded in the name of his/her parent or legal guardian who must execute the necessary affidavit and release and, if applicable,. — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026 Include worker representatives through applicable agreements, wherever necessary. — Dr. Timothy J. Giardino, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 The standards require applicable new ships to reach a 30 percent improvement in design energy efficiency compared with the original baseline. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applicable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicable

Adjective

Honorable rebels take a stand, work, and sacrifice, even against self-interest to bravely bring about something other than the chaos that naturally exists without applied effort to create something good.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
These measurements are then used by the motion-control system to adjust the arm’s position and applied forces.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of applied

Adjective

These capabilities were particularly relevant during the final 103 meters (338 feet) of construction on the Shangri-La side tower.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
The reforms are designed for children and teenagers, but touch on a psychological phenomenon just as relevant to adults.

— Ashwini Nadkarni, Time, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of relevant

Adjective

Laws, agency regulations and court orders require that the children receive comprehensive healthcare and appropriate education while they're detained.

— Mark Betancourt, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026
Federal prosecutors David Novick and Jonathan Francis don’t explicitly recommend a non custodial sentence, but imply repeatedly that one is appropriate.

— Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of appropriate

Adjective

The technology could be particularly useful in situations where drones operate frequently or perform missions with limited time for detailed manual checks.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
Every patient requires tumor analysis, target selection, manufacturing, and quality testing, all within a clinically useful timeframe.

— Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of useful

Adjective

Rosatom wants to bring nuclear power to that market, saying 38 of Africa’s 54 countries have coastlines suitable for its floating reactors.

— Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Some see Rodriguez, whose signature is clean, artful dressing, as a suitable successor for Veronica Leoni as Calvin Klein Collection’s creative director.

— Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of suitable

Adjective

Nevertheless, practical designs commonly target temperatures around 100–150 million degrees Celsius (180–270 million °F).

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
In practical terms, control of the House would give Democrats the power to conduct investigations and hold public hearings.

— James Speyer, New York Daily News, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of practical

Adjective

The chaos was a fitting end to one of the ugliest elections in recent years, said Paulo César de Oliveira in Correio da Manhã (Rio de Janeiro).

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 31 Oct. 2026
Lafayette 148 said the exhibition offered a fitting backdrop for a collection that draws on the decade’s cultural influence while expressing the brand’s own perspective.

— Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of fitting

Adjective

Any existing solid brick, breeze-block or concrete barriers must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable, or covered with suitable protection if they cannot be removed for structural reasons.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
These days still call for cold drinks and as little clothing as is practicable.

— Brenda Looper, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of practicable

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Style

“Applicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicable. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of applicable

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