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 Some research has also found that evening folks tend to have less-healthy habits than morning ones—you’re just more apt to do things like smoke and drink at night, for instance. Erica Sloan, SELF, 4 Sep. 2025 The program aims to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their art form — with pieces spanning the classical, folkloric, contemporary and flamenco styles — and the company’s half-century of output, earning them apt praise both here and abroad. Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025 In past discussions, Asimov had employed the apt analogy of examining the elemental motion of gasses, where movements of each individual molecule is nearly impossible to predict, but taken as a whole its progressions and paths can be charted out across inconceivable oceans of time. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025 Twenty-five years later, their ideas are still apt and powerful. The Critic, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apt
Adjective
  • But these figures only scratch the surface of Nepal’s deep economic problems, which include pervasive vulnerable employment – informal and insecure work that is prone to poor conditions and pay – and limited opportunities that constrain long-term productivity.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The man found his way to the roof, nestled down into the prone position and peered through a scope at Kirk less than 150 yards away.
    Rick Jervis, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Scientists revealed that the 1200-volt, 400-amp power module is suitable for use in power grids and even heavy-duty vehicles such as next-generation aircraft and military vehicles.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Nonfunctional Gadgets and Tech Outdated gadgets are rarely suitable for donation.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As far as exemplars go, those inclined to offer wardrobe support could find a better follow and a better way.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Investors may be more inclined to invest in the later stages, having seen examples of European companies scaling - as Klink puts it - at an insanely high speed.
    Trevor Clawson, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This sweater tank top is appropriate for fall’s crisp weather yet ideal for a warmer day spent outside.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Mop-up and patrol will continue where appropriate to secure and strengthen containment.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That bout was promoted as his return to the ring after a 19-year retirement and was widely regarded as a fitting sendoff.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Sinzer, as well wine director Ellis Srubas-Giammanco, also just snagged Michelin’s 2024 New York Sommelier award, making Stars a fitting step on their wine journey.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After the 1-0 win, Bright spoke to the media about being ‘proper English’.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The proper name for the show is IAA Mobility 2025, short for Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Not only is the warm color palette perfect for the upcoming season, but the flowy, breathable drape of the skirt, paired with a fitted bodice, is the ideal style for layering.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2025
  • For fitted sheets, follow the same steps, just without the hospital corners.
    Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The process produced uniform, reproducible results, paving the way for mass production of catalysts fit for seawater electrolysis.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Next, place the new filter inside and make sure that the rubber edges fit snuggly into the housing.
    Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apt. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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