Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective apt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of apt are appropriate, felicitous, fitting, fit, happy, meet, proper, and suitable. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When is appropriate a more appropriate choice than apt?

While in some cases nearly identical to apt, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

When can felicitous be used instead of apt?

The words felicitous and apt can be used in similar contexts, but felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

In what contexts can fit take the place of apt?

In some situations, the words fit and apt are roughly equivalent. However, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When might fitting be a better fit than apt?

While the synonyms fitting and apt are close in meaning, fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

Where would happy be a reasonable alternative to apt?

The words happy and apt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

When would meet be a good substitute for apt?

The meanings of meet and apt largely overlap; however, meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When could proper be used to replace apt?

Although the words proper and apt have much in common, proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

When is it sensible to use suitable instead of apt?

The synonyms suitable and apt are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 apt So doctors may be more apt to jump to the migraine conclusion for AFAB folks, rather than do a genuine assessment for ministroke. Erica Sloan, SELF, 18 June 2025 Wolodarsky’s voice has such a wallflower quality to it, apt for Kylie, whose asides are barely acknowledged half the time. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025 Time speeds up and slows down, which feels like an apt metaphor for the start of this too-quick season. Natalie Zutter june 2, Literary Hub, 2 June 2025 No matter how small the fraction is, many of the accounts most apt to publish controversial content are big names on the platform. Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for apt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apt
Adjective
  • The heat and nutrients can make the sea grass more prone to disease according to the Fish and Wildlife Conservancy.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
  • These destinations are prone to extreme weather, such as hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones, which can disrupt daily life and damage infrastructure.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 30 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
  • Securities, investment products, other financial products or strategies discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, studies show consumers are more inclined to buy something and are willing to pay over 10% more for it in a store that uses scent marketing.
    Tamara Bebb, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • If possible, do this on an inclined surface such as a driveway so the water will drain away from the rug.
    Karen Grossman, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • These ribbons can be steamed, boiled, or even served raw with an appropriate sauce.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 4 July 2025
  • When asked by the judge near the start of Wednesday’s hours-long hearing, attorneys for the parties could not reach an agreement on an appropriate value for the sanctions.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 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
  • Eggs themselves are not a source of collagen—but the egg white specifically contains proline and glycine, two essential amino acids for proper collagen production.
    Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • The potential disasters of treating art like traditional investments far outweigh the cost of proper planning.
    Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Pair a fitted fringe skirt with a zebra print crop top, sunglasses, and a cowboy hat for a fun and flirty look.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 25 June 2025
  • The rest of the possible inclusions are one or two pillowcases, a fitted and flat sheet and a bed skirt.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Deferring to Russia and disregarding Europe fit into this perspective because Trump sees Russia, not Europe, as another great power.
    Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • Don’t expect to meet every item on the job posting’s preferred qualifications list, and if your gut tells you the job’s a fit, dive deeper.
    Dr. Ella F. Washington, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apt. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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