1
2
3
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 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 Penguin Random House Canada provides the Information in an accessible format or with appropriate Communication Supports, as soon as practicable, upon request. Hazlitt, 4 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • Darya Minovi, a senior analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists, pointed to that pending change as a possible motivation for not publishing the PFNA assessment.
    Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Now, enduring peace in the region is possible.
    Yamiche Alcindor, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But the study’s findings may not be applicable to all adults age 65 and older since the researchers focused their efforts in Canada, where patients have access to universal health care.
    Gina Park, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Tickets are $12, plus applicable taxes and fees.
    Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Likely to become more useful as the season goes on.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Amgui Two-Story Tiny Home There are so many useful and charming features to this Amazon tiny home.
    Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The third essential is a very clear roadmap — broken down into the maximum number of achievable milestones, with a concrete plan for what comes next at each point.
    Roman Axelrod, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025
  • From Taylor Russell channeling Whitney Houston’s curly cut to Tracee Ellis Ross’s pretzeled chignon, the final leg of fashion month has now been marked as the moment for achievable, yet statement coifs.
    Essence, Essence, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Koolaburra by Ugg Advay Slip-on Boots These suede boots strike that ideal balance between cozy and practical, complete with a fuzzy faux fur cuff that peeks out for just the right amount of flair.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Data are monitored daily by specialists, discussed with surgeons when needed and reviewed weekly with a nurse who provides practical recovery tips.
    Christophe Mouton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Tickets are available for a $20 donation.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Information on what time the stop was made wasn't available Thursday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The low production cost makes large-scale deployment feasible.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Say an airline wants to find the best route from A to B, while there are many options, not all are feasible.
    Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Moving beyond the theory of the market, those skilled in applied finance understand how to make practical decisions in financial spaces.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
  • That’s why 2025’s Nobel Prize, about quantum advances that relate to macroscopic scales, from quantum tunneling to voltage-free current flows, truly represents a remarkable advance in applied physics.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 8 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on practicable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!