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

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 this default fits only 19 percent of women based on body measurements, leaving 81 percent unable to find properly fitting clothes without buying oversized items or relying on stretch from elastane—another circularity impediment. Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 July 2026 That’s a fitting tactic for a director once known for her literary adaptations, and tight control proves von Carolsfeld’s greatest strength here. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
Verb
Dolphins are the outlier, with a genetic quirk that produces an erratic sleep pattern not fitting neatly into the other three. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026 Part of this magic is related to gold; some of Akoma’s most beloved friends and relatives literally have the precious metal within them and can pull it from inside to coat their skin like form-fitting liquid armor. Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fitting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fitting
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
Verb
  • With decades devoted to more mainstream roles befitting of the blonde bombshell, Anderson now embraces projects that both challenge and scare her.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 24 July 2026
  • Blending style with luxury, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection partnered with iconic Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz to reimagine its pool and lounge spaces, introducing styles befitting the jet set crowd.
    Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Klimoska has been part of the Talents Sarajevo program at Sarajevo Film Festival, and the corresponding scheme at the Berlinale.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026
  • Putnam notes that each vessel carries a distinct color corresponding to its stage of life—yellow for birth, red for growth and blue for rebirth.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • Analysts keep adjusting upward their estimates of what AI hyperscalers will spend on capex in the future, and that increased spend is driving down free cash flow estimates.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • This setup allows the nuclear core to run at a steady, efficient output while adjusting the amount of electricity sent to the grid.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Although the storefront marks a significant milestone, Thomas says the business has always been about preparing his daughters for the future rather than simply increasing sales.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • In May, a juvenile court in Berlin convicted Ballout of preparing a serious act of violence endangering the state, as well as publishing Islamic State propaganda on his Instagram account and other charges, prosecutors said.
    Geir Moulson, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • This is important for accommodating NRIs operating across multiple tax regimes.
    Anmol Goel, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • The 289-footer is capable of accommodating up to 30 guests, with two owner’s apartments, VIP suites, and additional guest cabins.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 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
Verb
  • Nicole Kidman is serving up the aesthetic blueprint for the ultimate European summer, from embracing power suiting in Wimbledon’s Royal Box to showing off her natural blonde curls while jet-setting out of Ibiza.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 18 July 2026
  • Or Chloé’s spring 2005 separates—a semi-sheer tuxedo shirt, low-slung shorts, and a lightweight blazer, which seemed to Hamptonize suiting.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fitting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fitting. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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