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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 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 According to new research, the momentary fusion feat required exquisite choreography and extensive preparations, whose high degree of difficulty reveals a long road ahead before anyone dares hope a practicable power source could be at hand. IEEE Spectrum, 6 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • Cycling the heat on and off allows the robots to adjust speed and even change direction — proof that controlled, repeatable motion is possible at this tiny scale.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Each count of transportation to engage in prostitution holds a maximum sentence of 10 years, tallying up to a possible 20 years in prison for Combs.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • By improving this functional, scientists can make density functional theory more reliable and widely applicable, enabling more precise simulations across chemistry, materials science, and emerging technologies.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2025
  • If a candidate for office receives time on a broadcast that is deemed to be applicable to the rule, the network must give their opponents the opportunity to appear on the network for a similar amount of time.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That framing is politically useful but practically useless.
    Kristie De Pena, Oc Register, 22 Sep. 2025
  • But America isn't learning some of the more useful lessons from the engineering state.
    Vincent Ni, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Norris’ seventh-place finish was enough to narrow the gap to 25 points between him and Piastri with seven grands prix and three sprint races to go — a more achievable feat if Norris’ pre-summer form returns.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
  • However, that's where mini-moons come in; these objects represent a far more achievable target for asteroid mining.
    Tom Brown, Space.com, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This design appeals to learners who want to prepare for practical everyday interactions rather than pass quizzes.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025
  • But, following Russian aggression and the new reality in Ukraine, Gasanova understood the world had changed and that a more practical approach was needed.
    Finbarr Toesland, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While the app is available and encouraged year-round, the week was a spotlight on the importance of joint effort when conserving the environment, Zirk said.
    Madison Beveridge, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The preview feature, available now for Pro subscribers on mobile, marks OpenAI's latest attempt to make ChatGPT proactive rather than reactive, with the AI model conducting overnight research to deliver morning updates based on user history and connected apps.
    Benj Edwards, ArsTechnica, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That voyage, one of nearly 100 expeditions supported by Schmidt Ocean Institute, marked a milestone for Argentina, where research of this scale is rarely feasible due to limited scientific infrastructure.
    Elisabeth Brier, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • But is banning mopeds and e-bikes feasible for food delivery?
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • With a PhD in applied physics from Columbia, Ranade said that in his time as a student, most of his classmates either were in finance or major tech companies like Google or Meta.
    Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • That includes providing students with applied and work-based learning experiences in high school, as well as career exposure and exploration opportunities that begin in age-appropriate ways in middle school.
    Matt Gandal, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 27 Sep. 2025.

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