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 An actual, practicable solution will require more research—and more money. Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026 More information will follow when practicable. Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 4 Jan. 2026 This makes county fairs almost like quasi-governmental organizations, said Ahlers of the Anoka County Fair, even though some of the privileges aren’t exactly practicable. Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • The company has raced to buy as much computing power as possible, making $600 billion in spending commitments last year.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Determined to rise to the occasion and work out every possible kink, Daisy sets out to resolve conflicts between the stews and in the galley.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • All my actions, communications or legal responses will adhere strictly to the applicable statutes, regulations and constitutional provisions at both the federal and state levels.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
  • Prosecutorial independence and discretion are limited by State Bar rules, applicable laws and the courts.
    Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Our expert take The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a low-fee card with generous cash-back rewards and useful ongoing benefits, such as a monthly Disney Bundle credit.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 2 May 2026
  • Sites that preserve soft-bodied organisms are even rarer because soft tissues decompose more easily, making these places especially useful for piecing together prehistoric ecosystems.
    Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • During a Monday call with analysts to discuss Paramount’s first-quarter earnings, the tech scion said the target was achievable because his management team would maintain current levels of production.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026
  • Discover our quick, achievable ideas to prep your home for the season in just minutes.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • September 23 – October 22 A practical step helps steady everything today.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2026
  • My experience working with local governments, workers, educators, businesses and community leaders has reinforced the importance of practical solutions that deliver real results.
    Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Fares are available at Southwest’s ticket counters.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 2 May 2026
  • Brain scans were not widely available, and there was scant knowledge of sleep stages such as REM sleep, when more vivid dreams take place.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • The 76ers have come up with back-to-back resounding victories to force a Game 7 that did not look feasible a few days ago.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 2 May 2026
  • But the building’s current owner has said that — between engineering reports showing structural issues, contractors expressing safety concerns and high costs for rehab, even with potential tax credits — restoring the Jeserich was not feasible.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Access to capable hardware lowers barriers, speeds iteration, and enables real-world testing beyond simulations, accelerating progress in embodied AI, especially in manipulation and applied robotics.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026
  • The heavy investment by the state in the demolition is seen as evidence that the city is serious about developing the applied AI center.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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