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
  • Do not leave the important detail implied because the tone feels pleasant today.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Adding to the pleasure of a visit here is the location, the walk to Home Park from the station being one of the more pleasant, through the city’s Central Park.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In the long run, leaders are confident the 19 new boats will prove suitable replacements for the Ohios.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • One of the conditions included the owner's agreement to help existing Ansley Park residents find suitable housing.
    Emily McLeod, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This Sag Harbor home is a delightful design mashup with a modernist exterior and mid-century modern interiors.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Coffee yogurt provided a delightful blend of rich coffee flavor and creamy yogurt, a perfect option for those seeking a pick-me-up in a healthy and satisfying snack.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • People who have not exercised regularly and who have chronic medical conditions or physical limitations should consult with their healthcare provider about what level and type of exercise is appropriate for them.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • And right now in this country, the rights of disabled people are under attack, and especially their wellbeing and their access to appropriate healthcare.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • What about delicious gourmands, warm solar scents, or conversely, earthy notes grounded in fresh greens and wood?
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Twelve slices of bacon are bound to make anything delicious, and our Cowboy Cornbread from the August 1981 issue of the magazine is no exception.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This is a fitting season to mark the achievements of arguably the greatest Chicagoan in our city’s history.
    Harold Pollack, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • For Parker and Stone, the honor arrived on a fitting anniversary.
    Lilly Workneh, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • By next weekend, the experience outdoors will be more enjoyable for most looking to take advantage of the dwindling days of summer break.
    Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • For Schrager, figuring out how all those pieces fit together remains one of the most enjoyable parts of the job.
    Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Watson said Martinez was known for riding responsibly and always wearing proper safety gear.
    Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Of course, no proper French meal would be complete without wine.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Felicitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/felicitous. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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