Synonyms of applicable

applicable

adjective

ˈa-pli-kə-bəl 

1

as in applied

capable of being put to use or account

is that information applicable in this case?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• applied
• useful
• applicative
• practical
• practicable
• pragmatic
• usable
• actionable
• workable
• functional
• available
• working
• serviceable
• ultrapractical
• obtainable
• operating
• accessible
• utilitarian
• handy
• employed
• operative
• reachable
• functioning
• mundane
• down-to-earth
• active
• banausic
• busy
• alive
• all-around

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inapplicable
• impracticable
• impractical
• useless
• theoretical
• unworkable
• abstract
• unusable
• academic
• unavailable
• inaccessible
• unobtainable
• nonpractical
• unattainable
• unsuitable
• unreachable
• armchair

2

as in relevant

having to do with the matter at hand

that comment isn't applicable to our discussion

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relevant
• pertinent
• appropriate
• relative
• pointed
• useful
• important
• to the point
• meaningful
• germane
• suitable
• apposite
• apropos
• fitting
• material
• allowable
• apt
• significant
• admissible
• fit
• sensible

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inapplicable
• irrelevant
• immaterial
• extraneous
• pointless
• minor
• negligible
• trivial
• little
• unimportant
• insignificant
• impertinent
• inapposite
• frivolous
• slight
• inconsequential
• useless
• trifling
• meaningless
• irrelative
• unsuitable
• inappropriate
• purposeless
• senseless
• inadmissible
• inapt

3

as in appropriate

meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation

a knack for selecting the most applicable word

Synonyms & Similar Words

• appropriate
• suitable
• fitting
• proper
• fitted
• fit
• good
• happy
• meet
• acceptable
• in order
• adequate
• right
• pretty
• required
• becoming
• apt
• needed
• balanced
• befitting
• felicitous
• satisfactory
• justified
• deserved
• capable
• able
• requisite
• qualified
• competent
• correct
• decent
• just
• trained
• serviceable
• decorous
• tolerable
• kosher
• condign
• rightful
• respectable
• consonant
• cut out
• harmonious
• pitch-perfect
• congruous
• seemly
• companionate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inapplicable
• improper
• inappropriate
• wrong
• unsuitable
• unfit
• unhappy
• incongruous
• incapable
• indecent
• unfitting
• unbecoming
• unseemly
• inadequate
• incompetent
• inapt
• inapposite
• unacceptable
• unsatisfactory
• unskilled
• unqualified
• untrained
• inept
• intolerable
• infelicitous
• inexpert
• unmeet
• unapt
• unbeseeming
• incorrect
• unskillful
• misbecoming
• incompatible
• malapropos
• indecorous
• graceless
• uncongenial

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

Recent Examples of applicable

Keep these surfaces clean by wiping the exteriors regularly with all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, or, if applicable, by putting them in the dishwasher. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2026

Its North American portfolio includes products eligible for applicable Investment Tax Credit incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026

The insects and bark were seized, and the traveler was advised of applicable regulations and released without incident, officials said. — Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026

And at the same time, sometimes there’s a lot of technology that’s applicable between San Francisco and San Jose, and nowhere else in the world. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026