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 Lose excess weight and quit smoking, if applicable, to help reduce reflux and promote healing. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Shea Apartments continues to administer its affordable housing programs fairly, consistently, and in compliance with all applicable regulations. — Olivia Young, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026 This approach may also support organizations’ efforts to meet applicable cybersecurity and data-protection requirements. — Chris Dimitriadis, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026 But this sentiment feels applicable to the kind of moviegoing that Practical Magic 2 typifies. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applicable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicable

Adjective

By combining aluminum’s low weight with a pre-applied coating, the company is targeting a way to make battery components easier to manufacture while meeting durability and insulation requirements.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026
What’s happening now could be a repeat of that, said Katie Bernstein, an applied linguist and professor of early childhood education at Arizona State University.

— Rafael Carranza, ProPublica, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of applied

Adjective

An Irregular spokesperson said the incident involved the same issue that affected other AI labs and that all relevant labs were notified in late July.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
Now Macklemore, who hasn’t had a major hit since the 2010s, is relevant again.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of relevant

Adjective

No one should be reading the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Barnyard Recruitment Manual without appropriate ID.

— Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026
But on Wednesday, the Fed’s rate-setting committee unanimously agreed to a rate hike, and nearly all policymakers signaled that a second increase later this year would likely be appropriate.

— Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of appropriate

Adjective

Intelligence becomes useful when the environment is uncertain.

— Nitin Gupta, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Although somewhat gimmicky, anything that lowers accessibility barriers between the real and virtual worlds is likely to make mixed-reality activities more useful and viable.

— Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of useful

Adjective

Optical fiber, however, provides a practical path for moving information across long distances.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
Two years later, in June 1865, Lizzie’s father Andrew — a wealthy but practical Fall River businessman — remarried Abby Durfee Gray.

— Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of practical

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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applicability

applicable

applicant

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“Applicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicable. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of applicable

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