appropriate 1 of 2

Definition of appropriatenext

appropriate

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective appropriate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of appropriate are apt, felicitous, fitting, fit, happy, meet, proper, and suitable. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

In what contexts can apt take the place of appropriate?

In some situations, the words apt and appropriate are roughly equivalent. However, apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When would felicitous be a good substitute for appropriate?

The synonyms felicitous and appropriate are sometimes interchangeable, but felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

When might fit be a better fit than appropriate?

The words fit and appropriate can be used in similar contexts, but fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When could fitting be used to replace appropriate?

Although the words fitting and appropriate have much in common, fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

Where would happy be a reasonable alternative to appropriate?

The meanings of happy and appropriate largely overlap; however, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

When is meet a more appropriate choice than appropriate?

While in some cases nearly identical to appropriate, meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When is it sensible to use proper instead of appropriate?

The words proper and appropriate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

When can suitable be used instead of appropriate?

While the synonyms suitable and appropriate are close in meaning, suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

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 appropriate
Adjective
But as legitimate as these concerns are, they must be addressed at the appropriate time in the proceedings. Logan Smith, CBS News, 23 May 2026 In practice, that means employers can end up absorbing per-employee costs that outpace initial projections, while lacking the clinical infrastructure to manage adherence, side effects and appropriate discontinuation. Scott Paddock, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
Verb
The funds would be pulled from money that Congress appropriated for health programs tackling malaria, tuberculosis, maternal and child health, nutrition, global health security, HIV/AIDS and more, two federal health policy experts told CNN. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 7 May 2026 Congress should never appropriate funding for specific, state-level projects; rather, congressional actions should apply to the nation as a whole. Kevin Fixler may 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for appropriate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appropriate
Adjective
  • Hulse and her colleagues spent several days searching for a suitable location.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • The city is currently planning a new clubhouse there, and recently conducted polls on suitable designs.
    Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Photograph courtesy Jennifer Hulse Israel seized control of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank during the Six-Day War, in 1967.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 15 May 2026
  • Bianco obtained three search warrants and began seizing ballots in February, despite being ordered by Attorney General Rob Bonta to pause the investigation.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Goode reached on an infield hit and stole second before sophomore Ella Bianco drew a walk to load the bases.
    Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2026
  • His camera performs a rousing restoration of the power often stolen from them, ensuring that by the time the credits roll, they’re finally imbued with the kind of divinity only offered to them in name.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 22 May 2026
Adjective
  • After all, the key to a flawless beat is proper skincare application!
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 14 May 2026
  • Sit down at a proper meal table (not your desk or the car), put your snack on a plate or in a bowl, and take a breath to center yourself before taking the first bite.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Next to it was marijuana wrapped in cellophane stained with peanut butter — items that were confiscated at San José Mineta International Airport.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
  • Bikini bottoms would be full coverage only; thongs were added to a list of contraband items that included alcohol and nonprescription drugs, which were confiscated from Islanders’ suitcases on arrival.
    Anna Peele, Vulture, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • In the tall grass — which would be mowed if Sears were still alive — Pierce swiped through the photos on her phone.
    Sarah Jane Tribble, NPR, 22 May 2026
  • Disney+ launched Verts in March, a mobile feed of vertical scenes from Disney+ titles, where users can swipe, add a title to their watchlist or jump straight into a show.
    Maureen Kerr, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Beef star stepped out in a loose-fitting, silky matching set, which instantly turned a simple look into a refined ensemble.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • The movie’s Spanish title could also be translated as The Thaw, as fitting and double-edged as The Meltdown, but with a slightly different slant, as in Lina’s eventual warming to Inés.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Denise ascended the stairs, yelling at Djena all the way up, then grabbed Djena by the collar and began hitting her.
    Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • To make one, grab a clean, thick sock (preferably a larger one) and fill it with uncooked rice, oats, or flaxseed.
    Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Appropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appropriate. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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