fitting 1 of 2

Definition of fittingnext

fitting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of fit
1
as in befitting
archaic to be fitting or proper we hardly know them, so for Christmas a simple card will fit

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
4
5
as in accommodating
to make or have room for we can fit you in the booth if the rest of us squeeze closer together

Synonyms & Similar Words

6

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fitting differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fitting are appropriate, apt, felicitous, fit, happy, meet, proper, and suitable. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

When would appropriate be a good substitute for fitting?

While the synonyms appropriate and fitting are close in meaning, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

When is it sensible to use apt instead of fitting?

In some situations, the words apt and fitting are roughly equivalent. However, apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When might felicitous be a better fit than fitting?

The words felicitous and fitting are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

When could fit be used to replace fitting?

While in some cases nearly identical to fitting, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

Where would happy be a reasonable alternative to fitting?

The meanings of happy and fitting largely overlap; however, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

In what contexts can meet take the place of fitting?

The synonyms meet and fitting are sometimes interchangeable, but meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When is proper a more appropriate choice than fitting?

The words proper and fitting can be used in similar contexts, but proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

When can suitable be used instead of fitting?

Although the words suitable and fitting have much in common, suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

How does the adjective fitting differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fitting are appropriate, apt, felicitous, fit, happy, meet, proper, and suitable. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

When would appropriate be a good substitute for fitting?

While the synonyms appropriate and fitting are close in meaning, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

When is it sensible to use apt instead of fitting?

In some situations, the words apt and fitting are roughly equivalent. However, apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When might felicitous be a better fit than fitting?

The words felicitous and fitting are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

When could fit be used to replace fitting?

While in some cases nearly identical to fitting, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

Where would happy be a reasonable alternative to fitting?

The meanings of happy and fitting largely overlap; however, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

In what contexts can meet take the place of fitting?

The synonyms meet and fitting are sometimes interchangeable, but meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When is proper a more appropriate choice than fitting?

The words proper and fitting can be used in similar contexts, but proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

When can suitable be used instead of fitting?

Although the words suitable and fitting have much in common, 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 fitting
Adjective
But like engraving, repairing musical instruments and many other skilled trades, creating and fitting garments to individual specifications hasn’t attracted enough entry-level workers over the years to replace the professionals retiring their pincushions after decades of performing their craft. Anne D'innocenzio, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026 Barron vacillated between playing deep in situational dime packages, fitting run gaps as a veritable off-ball linebacker in big-nickel packages, covering tight ends man-to-man, and even started a game at safety. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
To understand his assignment at nickel — sometimes fitting a run gap, sometimes checking a tight end, sometimes fluid until a play developed — and stay within that. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2026 With funding from the Global Environment Facility, or GEF, the Djibouti government spent $150,000 digging a borehole to access underground water and another $100,000 fitting it with a solar pump that would fill a series of large concrete water tanks. Julie Bourdin, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fitting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fitting
Adjective
  • In the world of higher ed, there’s long been an insistence that college is for everyone, but this has resulted in many graduates unable to find suitable jobs; the employment prospects of English majors—or even computer-science grads—are looking increasingly grim.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Shoppers note that the fabric is soft to the touch and the ideal weight for spring and summer when used by itself, or suitable for year-round use in milder climates.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Their performances have been closer to replacement level than that befitting their roles — particularly that of Namestnikov and Niederreiter, who were positive difference-makers last season.
    Murat Ates, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • According to sources, the coaches wanted to see Tiller play in a style befitting his 6-foot-11 frame.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In a corresponding move, the club recalled utilityman Nick Loftin from Triple-A Omaha.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Today, visitors can explore the house and corresponding art museum as well as the gardens and outbuildings, many of which have been repurposed into retail spaces.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Hathaway, who drew on the star power she’s accumulated over the past 20 years, credited the film’s producers for quickly adjusting to her request.
    Antonio Ferme, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
  • While some people turn to melatonin or prescription sleep aids, research suggests that adjusting your diet may help support better rest.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Subscribe today Hello, this is Hui Jie writing to you from Singapore, while Leonie is away preparing for CNBC’s CONVERGE LIVE event, featuring names like former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Capital Group CEO Mike Gitlin.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Last week, Quié, who has the build of a refrigerator and the energy of a hummingbird, was at the Charles Pan-Fried Chicken on 145th Street, preparing for another collaboration.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Refreshers can be ordered in both still and sparkling versions, accommodating afternoons that could use a bit of effervescence.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Tedros said the evacuation zone also includes a Health Ministry complex where five shelters are accommodating more than 5,000 people.
    Jennifer Hansler, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There are no winners in wildfire; however, the Court's decision supports PacifiCorp's longstanding belief that this process was prejudicial and not appropriate for managing wildfire litigation.
    Alex Crippen, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Federal education law requires that all students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Design can help with that, starting with accessories that keep your brush head far from the orange grime that lines the sink while simply suiting your bathroom’s style.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Only Ralph could make tweed, velvet, fur pelts and suiting sexy and recognizable and stylishly sumptuous.
    Anika Reed, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fitting. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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