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 Those decisions should be made with a commitment to replenishing reserves as soon as practicable. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 Under the settlement agreement, CSU must provide notice to employees as soon as reasonably practicable before complying with any subpoena for employees’ personal information unless notice would be prohibited by law or regulation, according to a statement from the California Faculty Association. Edsource, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026 Any future accommodation will be privately funded by the King, and it's understood that the move will happen as soon as practicable. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 McCuskey says a testing regimen is just not practicable and that Becky can still compete, but on a boys team. ABC News, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • This gracious grand dame has possibly the best possible address in all of Stockholm, overlooking Strökajen Harbor in the city’s Norrmalm district, a short walk from the Royal Palace and the Old Town.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Authorities haven't stated a possible cause for the other two fires.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Participants are solely responsible for creating and maintaining their Yahoo account and complying with Yahoo’s applicable terms of service.
    The Athletic, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • If applicable, photos can be taken with low apertures, wide-angle lenses and tripods.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Goats have become a useful tool in clearing unwanted vegetation in Pittsburgh's parks and green spaces.
    Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Leggings, sweatshirts, dresses, and tees are designed to mix and match, which is useful when the clock is ticking in a mom’s busy morning.
    Kelly Aiglon, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In practical terms, that means work once considered computationally unfeasible is now achievable.
    Hayley Tabor, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Without the help of their partners and volunteers, Kanbe’s Markets wouldn’t be achievable.
    Zuri Primos July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Adjective
  • Keep sentimental items, practical basics, and timeless staples like well-fitting jeans, blazers, and versatile shoes.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Sport Mode For the ultimate practical travel sandal, sporty is the way to go.
    Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Accessible rooms are available in several different room types, and laid out on in detail the hotel website.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The faux suede boots, which are available in standard and wide calf widths, feature a pointed toe, block heels, and a slouchy design.
    Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • When the disorder arises, it’s considered a medical emergency, so running blood tests, measuring hormone levels or getting a patient into a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine for tests isn’t always feasible.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 31 July 2026
  • Physicians and scientists will need to do more work to prove the precise causal linkage between the EKG finding and the risk of sudden cardiac death, but this is feasible with current tools such cardiac MRI and selective cardiac muscle biopsies.
    Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • The next major power center in applied AI could be Stockholm.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • As artificial intelligence expands across K-12 schools, Massachusetts announced a new $500,000 public-private investment in AI applied learning opportunities for hundreds of students, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced Tuesday.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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