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appropriate

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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 given the scale and severity of the problems hitting Musk’s business empire all at once, an all-out effort may be appropriate. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 28 May 2025 Schwartz also said that Hoover’s life sentence was appropriate, given his place as one of the most dangerous criminals ever prosecuted in Chicago’s federal court. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Verb
Exceeding the cap now allows CT to spend more in next two years The speaker said legislators will cover that Medicaid gap in the traditional manner, which involves formally appropriating the necessary funds. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2025 The lawsuit focuses on funds from the Continuum of Care program — grants for homelessness services that are administered by HUD and appropriated by Congress. Grace Hase, Mercury News, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for appropriate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appropriate
Adjective
  • Time for Thorough Searches: Interim appointments allow boards the necessary time to conduct comprehensive searches for suitable permanent leaders.
    Solange Charas, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • This work will reveal insights about the quasi-moon and help the team select a suitable sampling site.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • But is Simone now the villain – or simply someone with a tough upbringing who seized an opportunity to secure her future?
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Officials with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms conducted a search at Ross’ home in Oklahoma and seized materials that were used to build the explosive devices, police said.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Sophomore infielder Luke Nixon was responsible for half of them, stealing 14 in 16 attempts.
    Mitch Light, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • In other words: just like in commerce, the real cost of a breach isn’t just what’s stolen.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • But on March 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation on the proper times.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
  • Cabinet hardware jigs vary slightly in design, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Provincial Police confiscated the 1964 Iso Rivolta Grifo A3 Stradale, entered in the Concorso by Thomas Shannon, after allegedly stopping its American driver on the streets of Cernobbio without an International Driving Permit.
    Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Police confiscated guns, heroin, cocaine and $19,000 in cash when executing a search warrant.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Cloud sized up the young star, reached in and swiped the ball away as time expired.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 24 May 2025
  • In that game, Haliburton scored 31 points on 12-of-23 shooting from the floor and 3-of-4 shooting from the foul line, dished out 11 assists, grabbed four rebounds, and swiped a steal.
    Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Using the tee fitting wasn’t his most grievous error.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
  • That all changed at Allianz Arena, the home of Bayern Munich, one of the titans of Europe, and a fitting stage for PSG’s crowning moment.
    James Robson, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • In the morning, the restaurant doubles as a coffee shop where guests can grab drip coffee, fresh juices, and a small selection of hot and cold breakfast options, including the beloved Hawaiian classic, Loco Moco.
    Jalyn Robinson, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025
  • The colorful bar framed in bright neon lights is on the main concourse, so people walking by can grab a drink and head to the casino or other favorite activity, Allen said.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Appropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appropriate. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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