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
That could include identity proofing, relevant background status, licenses, training, work eligibility, and continuous updates where appropriate. Raj Ananthanpillai, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 School nurses need adequate funding, appropriate staffing, meaningful professional development and a seat at decision-making tables. Jordan Schriver, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026
Verb
Kokopeli, inspired by a group of present-day teenagers who were producing online South Park fan-fiction episodes, decided to appropriate the characters for his own work. Theo Belci, Artforum, 2 June 2026 When Congress appropriated the $150 million, only America250 was planning celebrations for the 250th. Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for appropriate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appropriate
Adjective
  • Accessibility Unfortunately, the suites at Hotel Ottilia are not suitable for those with reduced mobility.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026
  • IsoHemp’s blocks, made out of hemp and lime binders, can be integrated into load-bearing structures, and are suitable for both interior and exterior walls.
    Amy Gunia, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Hilton, running on a platform of affordability and lowering taxes, has seized on the sentiment, casting health coverage for immigrants without legal status as deeply unfair and a direct threat to the state’s ability to help citizens.
    Christine Mai-Duc, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • So far this year, 17 tons of illicit drugs, mostly cocaine, have been seized in the Pacific region – more than three times the total across the whole of last year, according to the Australian Federal Police.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • The News, The Times and affiliated outlets in Tribune Publishing and MediaNews Group, along with other outlets, are suing OpenAI for allegedly stealing the work of journalists.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • In the video, the man and woman can be seen alleging the family stole their money and emphasizing they aren't wanted in the community.
    Adam Duxter, CBS News, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • While some of the wives wouldn’t bother coming to games every Sunday, Michel said, many of the children saw the Feeney fathers as proper heroes.
    Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Files, buffers, cuticle tools and even gel systems can last for months or years with proper care, which means the math tilts in favor of DIY after just a few uses.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Abu Safiya also had his eyeglasses confiscated during his detainment and since been experiencing vision issues, according to Abbas.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 20 June 2026
  • The prisoners were at one point given life jackets, but they were later confiscated after guards found them being used as pillows, the court document said.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Who got caught swiping this trash can?
    , FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026
  • The 22-year-old center fielder swiped three bases in his second game with high Single-A Fort Wayne and both Luke Cantwell and Kavares Tears homered in a 7-6 win at Lake County on Wednesday.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • In Europe, older buildings can, however, make air-conditioner installation costly and complicated, often requiring lengthy wait times for fitting.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • This pick can support up to 400 pounds, has a breathable mesh backing, and packs down small, fitting into a convenient carrying bag when not in use.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • There is an art to cutting a cantaloupe, which starts long before grabbing the knife and cutting board.
    Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • Schmidt can be forgiven for making this headline-grabbing prediction.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Appropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appropriate. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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