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 skies here are incredible year-round, but a particularly apt time to take them in is during the annual Beyond the Big Dipper weekend, when the RASC provides the park with telescopes. Lola Augustine Brown, AFAR Media, 21 Aug. 2025 These are not necessarily the fans most apt to slam Franklin on message boards after another close loss to Ohio State or heckle him from the stands at Beaver Stadium. Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025 The flight crew is more apt to enjoy sandwiches or grab-and-go dishes that are easier to eat while working or on break. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2025 The disco ball felt like an apt metaphor to Score. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apt
Adjective
  • During heavy rain, flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the early 1990s, the Resnicks bought the land that would become Little Lake Lodge and set about building a suitable Little Lake house, albeit one with 18 bedrooms, 20 full bathrooms, and four partial bathrooms.
    David Hochman, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Galleries and exhibits change often, and there's even an interactive art space called ArtLab that's suitable for all ages.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • As a result, even conservative sectors once eager to play Washington’s tune are now more inclined to support the Brazilian government’s strategy of diversifying economic partnerships and reducing dependence on the United States.
    HUSSEIN KALOUT, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Because Iraq’s al-Sistani would not militarize his followers, Iran went mullah shopping and found another more inclined to do so.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As the President of Pain Diagnostics and Interventional Care, a medical practice in Western Pennsylvania, Provenzano argues that physicians determine appropriate utilization based on a patient’s individual needs, evolving clinical guidelines and emerging standards of care for innovative treatment.
    Naveen Rao, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
  • The appellate panel reiterated that summary judgment is appropriate only when there is no evidence upon which a jury could properly return a verdict for the opposing party.
    Eduardo J. Valdes, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Heat oil in a large Dutch oven with a tight fitting lid over high; add chicken, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes total.
    Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025
  • So what could be more fitting than to go chasing records once again?
    Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • On stage, Anani showed people how to make proper hummus.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • To conduct a proper investigation, police need victims and witnesses – no matter their citizenship status – to come forward and speak to the police honestly about dangers to the public.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • From fitted, feminine V-neck cuts to boxy, perfectly oversized silhouettes, this list of white T-shirts has an option for everyone—all for $25 or less.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2025
  • Sourced from the same suppliers that provide bedding for top-notch hotels, the brand’s flat and fitted sheets bring a touch of the suite life to your bed.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • On sale for $24, this oversized button-down has earned over 1,600 five-star ratings for comfort, fit, and, of course, style.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025
  • More than 15,000 Amazon shoppers give these pants a perfect five-star rating for their versatility, fit, and comfort.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apt. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

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