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 Perry was unable to attend Sánchez Bezos’s recent three-day wedding event in Venice to her partner Jeff Bezos due to touring commitments, but a return to the scene of their glamorous bachelorette for an equally glitzy affair was apt. Vogue, 10 July 2025 Most apt is, will Oasis break up before the tour is over in November? Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 5 July 2025 Issues that players are not apt to admit publicly during a season. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2025 Meanwhile, the concessions China is apt to offer on trade in return for U.S. concessions on security are unlikely to deliver the relief that antiglobalization constituencies demand. William Hurst, Foreign Affairs, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for apt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apt
Adjective
  • The discovered manipulation techniques are a reminder of the fact that every system is prone to be gamed; that the very strength of the system – ie.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT Updated July 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • In June, The Athletic explained whether Watkins was suitable for United or not.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 30 July 2025
  • Near And Far The Near Field Mode is suitable for use at a computer desk where spatial accuracy and proximity immersion are essential.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • That final point is important — at this stage of pre-season, Arsenal are not inclined to take risks with players’ fitness.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 July 2025
  • The politically inclined comedians are media veterans, having fought on the same side of many wars.
    Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • King, a House member of 12 years, said both the tenor and the substance of Thompson's remarks were appropriate for the moment.
    John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • The law is meant to preserve a person's civil liberties as much as possible and that the treatment provided is appropriate to the person's needs.
    Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Still, the quadruplets are fitting right in at home alongside their big brother Emmanuel Jr., 8, who is already attuned to their needs.
    Jillian Frankel, People.com, 25 July 2025
  • Wear long sleeves and pants, light colors and loose fitting shirts to guard against bites.
    Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Women being dismissed by their healthcare providers is another culprit, says Tran, and without proper exams and X-rays, the disease goes undetected.
    Marnie Goodfriend, Flow Space, 25 July 2025
  • The trooper found no proper registration for the vehicle.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 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
  • The fitted bodice incorporated a corset-like structure, with a bevy of oceanic inspiration throughout and seashells aplenty.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • The issue isn’t said to be serious, but here’s the thing, Willock has been fully fit for a year and consistently struggled for form last season.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • The dress featured a record-breaking train Designed by Elizabeth and David Emanuel, Diana's gown was truly fit for a princess — and embodied plenty of bridal trends from the early 1980s.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apt. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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