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 The timing proved apt for a show that both celebrates and critiques the great American experiment set forth by the Founding Fathers. Antonio Ferme, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025 In an extended first act, Keyshawn gets into circular arguments with Niecy and Lewis, which is apt for a family stuck in toxic cycles but repetitive to watch. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025 Smaller implants are also lighter, more comfortable, and less apt to stretch, strain, and deform the tissues over time. Jolene Edgar, Allure, 15 Oct. 2025 And the script is just apt for that. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apt
Adjective
  • If your dog is prone to excessive barking, dog behaviorist Cesar Millan has some suggestions to fix that.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Lie prone on the mat with your arms stretched overhead.
    Leoni Jesner, Health, 1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • If an item is too large for the washing machine or dishwasher, the non-toxic power of steam is often a suitable alternative.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Cranberries grow in standard gardens, pots, or any place that’s suitable for blueberries.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The new rule stipulates that pillows must be firm enough to prevent suffocation and flat enough to prevent the baby’s head and neck from going into an inclined position.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Her parents were originally inclined to give her a name whose popularity was heavily influenced by another NBC show.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Spanx Supersmooth Perfect Fit Ponte Micro Flare Pant Speaking of smoothing, these dress pants have compression from waist to knee and a subtle flare leg — like your favorite yoga pants but office appropriate.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • It should be cooked thoroughly and not raw, trimmed of excess fat, cut into bite-sized pieces appropriate for the dog’s size and free from dog toxins such as garlic, onion or excessive salt.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Her latest chart-toppers have held steady across Halloween week — a fitting flex for a pop sorceress who’s made chart magic her signature move.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 Oct. 2025
  • That means they could be crafted by the artist’s right-hand men — like Mobb Deep’s Infinite, where Prodigy’s longtime music partners Havoc and the Alchemist gave their all to a fitting send-off to the Infamous group.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • When using hydrogen peroxide, wear protective gloves and eyewear to avoid irritation, ensure proper ventilation, and never mix it with bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaning agents.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
    Walden Green, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Pair it with a fitted long sleeve or lace cami underneath and jeans, or layer it over a sweater dress with block-heel boots.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The jacquard denim is used for jeans and a fitted vest.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • More than 110,000 people have watched that video so far, and to this day, a stray commenter still occasionally sees fit to leave a snide remark.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Following disappointing earnings results, the focus will be on building a future-fit portfolio with an attractive growth footprint.
    Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apt. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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