Definition of practicablenext
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as in useful
capable of or suitable for being used for a particular purpose that flimsy little saw is not a very practicable tool for cutting heavy tree branches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective practicable differ from other similar words?

The words feasible and possible are common synonyms of practicable. While all three words mean "capable of being realized," practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions.

a solution that is not practicable in the time available

When is feasible a more appropriate choice than practicable?

The words feasible and practicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired.

commercially feasible for mass production

In what contexts can possible take the place of practicable?

Although the words possible and practicable have much in common, possible implies that a thing may certainly exist or occur given the proper conditions.

a possible route up the west face of the mountain

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 practicable To that end, Democratic congressional leadership has implored their counterparts to start talks as soon as practicable, considering any piece of legislation will require 60 votes in the Senate. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2025 To do this, the United States must maintain the capability to destroy as many of the attacker’s nuclear weapons as practicable before or after they are launched, a principle known as counterforce targeting. Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 This might include a review of cybersecurity policies, checks on overall cryptographic health and conversations about practicable roadmaps for deploying quantum-safe algorithms. Jordan Rackie, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 The technology suddenly seemed practicable. Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • With just one point out of a possible 10 during this home stand, this team now feels more akin to the one that spun nearly out of control in November and December.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Japan’s Finance Minister said the government will coordinate with the US on currency responses when necessary, as market participants grow increasingly wary of possible coordinated action between Washington and Tokyo.
    Erica Yokoyama, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This is where our downturn resilience framework is applicable.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Below is a running list of restaurants and bars we've been told are open, along with their adjusted hours, if applicable.
    Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • What started off as a striving novelty turned into something genuinely useful, and YouTube viewers took notice.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Jan. 2026
  • That information is not so accurately counted, so trends in total population are useful even if not perfectly aligned with economic productivity.
    Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Officially too, that will happen by 2028—but few people believe that goal is achievable.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Strong leaders explain decisions, define success clearly, acknowledge constraints and foster sustainable growth, making ambition feel achievable.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet, even for those long-ensconced in homes, the calming tones continue to be both popular and practical.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The panel concluded the order was both overly broad and impermissibly vague, raising constitutional and practical concerns.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Further details were not immediately available.
    ANDREW DALTON, Arkansas Online, 31 Jan. 2026
  • New episodes of The Rookie air Mondays on ABC and are available to stream on Hulu the following day.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Now, with another strike planned for Friday, closing again isn't feasible for Hernandez.
    Ubah Ali, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
  • This phrase communicates an interest in work quality and feasible output.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • On that note, PESCO-UP is led by VTT, the largest research and technology company and research center in Finland, conducting applied research.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Then, Miller placed his hands around her neck and applied pressure, causing the woman to experience difficulty breathing, a court document states.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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