Definition of felicitousnext
1
as in pleasant
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses a felicitous accompaniment to dinner is provided by a pianist on weekends at the restaurant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective felicitous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of felicitous are appropriate, apt, fitting, fit, happy, meet, proper, and suitable. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

When is appropriate a more appropriate choice than felicitous?

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

an appropriate gift

When might apt be a better fit than felicitous?

Although the words apt and felicitous have much in common, apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When would fit be a good substitute for felicitous?

The meanings of fit and felicitous largely overlap; however, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When could fitting be used to replace felicitous?

In some situations, the words fitting and felicitous are roughly equivalent. However, fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

Where would happy be a reasonable alternative to felicitous?

While the synonyms happy and felicitous are close in meaning, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

When is it sensible to use meet instead of felicitous?

The words meet and felicitous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When can proper be used instead of felicitous?

The synonyms proper and felicitous are sometimes interchangeable, but proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

In what contexts can suitable take the place of felicitous?

The words suitable and felicitous can be used in similar contexts, 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 felicitous The screenplay that Gracey wrote with Simon Gleeson and Oliver Cole is less felicitous. Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2024 And in one of those felicitous culinary accidents like the Toll House cookie, wound up with a gluten-free product. Florence Fabricant, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2024 Ellis-Bextor now joins Kate Bush in the league of criminally underrated British singers who have received a late-career reappraisal thanks to a felicitous TV or film sync. Vulture, 11 Jan. 2024 That breadth is a felicitous analog to the roaming comedy of the script. Scott Hocker, theweek, 5 Jan. 2024 See All Example Sentences for felicitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for felicitous
Adjective
  • Counting businesses is easy, the count has been going up, and a rising number is a pleasant thing to publicize.
    Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • While the town itself is quite pleasant, Lake Tahoe is the crown jewel.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • The park is a piece of an effort by Missouri State Parks to turn old railroad lines into trails suitable for civilian use.
    Zuri Primos July 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • In several looks, the hips protruded impressively outward, but the silhouette appeared more subtle and somewhat suitable for everyday wear in the label’s delicate camisole tops.
    Kelly Niesen, Glamour, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • The details about his friendship with Russell are delightful.
    Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • These bananas are a delightful twist on the conventional banana taste and are definitely worth trying.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • Colt Gray, 16, agreed to a non-negotiated guilty plea, the judge said, meaning there is no plea deal; the state will present its argument for an appropriate sentence, and the defense will do the same.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 24 July 2026
  • For example, a recent report from Le Monde said the ban is still not enforced in France as of June, given the lack of appropriate inspection resources needed to do so.
    Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • With delicious options for chicken, steak, seafood, pork, and veggies, these versatile grilling recipes are great for family dinners or easy entertaining.
    Jasmine Thompson, Midwest Living, 25 July 2026
  • The Sacramento Bee went on a search on behalf of the vegan/vegetarian fair goer and found delicious meals for anyone to enjoy.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 25, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • Entertaining spaces spill outdoors via large sliding glass doors onto a covered patio and upper balcony, while a wine cellar offers a fitting place to unwind after a day on the links.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 July 2026
  • Trying it out on the next major link uptown after 34th seems fitting.
    John Surico, Curbed, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • That transition has been an enjoyable one for Shane Robinson, who recently reflected on his new role with the Giants.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Libra September 23 – October 22 A relationship or creative project may need more honesty to stay enjoyable.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • Under their stewardship, the property keeps that classic Cape Cod feeling but has enough contemporary polish to appeal to today’s travelers (Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a proper corkscrew in the rooms, and so forth).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Sleep problems, chronic illness, medications and stress can all mimic a hormone problem, so a proper workup matters before blaming testosterone.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Felicitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/felicitous. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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