1
2
3

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 Under History Settings, review and pause or delete: Web & App Activity, YouTube History and Location History (if applicable). Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025 Tickets are $50, including 10 1-ounce samples and VIP for $125, plus applicable fees. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025 Its platform uses artificial intelligence to allow cars to assess their surroundings and it’s designed to be applicable in any environment. Ryan Browne, CNBC, 10 June 2025 Gorgeously rich storytelling, atmospheric and singular characters who feel real, with problems that feel applicable despite being set in a different time and place. Tarah Dewitt, People.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for applicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicable
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
  • Uncomfortable moments, such as when Luke Armstrong’s record £500,000 transfer from Harrogate Town collapsed due to a failure to submit the relevant paperwork in time, have previously been totally ignored.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • The carousel gives you the relevant parts of the video along with a summary, but the video page is another tap away.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • District officials insist that their use of arts money has been legal and appropriate.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
  • Localization testing helps ensure appropriate usage of region-specific currencies and symbols; attain correct display of textual content within buttons, menus or other UI elements; review adherence to local gambling regulations, such as betting limits, taxation, operational hours and more.
    Dzmitry Lubneuski, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, tax-loss harvesting, or selling investments that have lost value to offset gains, can be a useful strategy to reduce your taxable income.
    Prasanna Kumar, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • All other activity, from running a business to producing unnecessary luxuries (including, notably, literature), were thus unethical, even parasitical, to the extent that one’s time ought to be spent in useful production, especially agriculture.
    Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • This new moon is particularly suitable for projects or processes that have to do with your well-being, your home, your family, or your emotional balance.
    Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 24 June 2025
  • Seek Professional Guidance: Consider consulting a financial advisor to understand if cryptocurrency is suitable for your financial situation.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Leadership in 2025 and beyond requires fitting humans, who supply feelings and ethics, together with technology that enhances the speed, reach, and uniformity of processes.
    Mark Minevich, Fortune, 25 June 2025
  • The key for Niang, who enters a contract year during an era where elite shooting is quite invaluable, will be fitting into the team defense.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Nevertheless, the safety zone concept, essentially managing access to and activities around specific areas, could be a practical tool for protecting heritage sites.
    Michelle L.D. Hanlon, Space.com, 20 June 2025
  • People follow entrepreneurs who offer practical wisdom, not generic business advice.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Most interesting is Cane’s prim and proper wife, Peyton (Danielle Campbell).
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 June 2025
  • Hollywood studios and craftspeople may be busy agonizing over the proper role of AI’s potential within the film industry, but Chinese studios aren’t slowing down.
    Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Applicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicable. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on applicable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!