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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 In Dutch - State/Federal Clinicians must adjudicate claims and remit patient credit balances as soon as practicable. Jeff Gorke, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 If regulation to stop polluting activity is not practicable, government rather should subsidize activities that mitigate harms. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 30 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 Spanish tax breaks hiked at the beginning of 2023, make the financials practicable. John Hopewell, Variety, 27 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • The Boise City Council approved plan modifications May 13 for a central village green and town center that would include shopping, coffee shops and food spots, including possible food carts in a park area.
    Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 29 May 2025
  • If the patient is a child, the conversation will involve the family or caregiver when possible.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • While the first sale rule is broadly applicable across products and industries, it is considered particularly useful in higher-value consumer goods and luxury products, where margins are greater.
    Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 26 May 2025
  • The average cost of a fast food meal includes applicable state and local sales taxes based on the restaurants' locations.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • This would be particularly useful for patients at higher risk due to age or family history.
    Mill Etienne, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • All this is to say, my phone is full of useful information and tools that help keep me safe—contacts, copies of documents, health insurance, GPS maps, and more.
    Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • These categories aren’t timeless ontological judgments—they’re practical tools that help the government fulfill its duties.
    Paisley Currah, New Yorker, 27 May 2025
  • Many product designs never even make it to market, due to concepts that might be more theoretical than practical, elements that don’t add to performance, or don’t promote good sound and feel.
    Candace Oehler, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • According to a report published by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) last year, total spend in the sector generated a total $421 billion and $119 billion in tax revenue in 2022, the most recent year in which full data was available.
    Jenni Reid, CNBC, 1 June 2025
  • Free shuttle bus service is available from the St. George Ferry Terminal to Snug Harbor.
    Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Is that feasible and also what the Trump administration is trying to do? Miran’s is a very important paper, with many interesting observations.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Reese said that over 75% of the company’s resin material imports are sourced from Asia, and that replacing these suppliers with U.S.-based manufacturers was not a feasible option.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Jain: That’s a powerful example of applied storytelling.
    Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Bracket Calculating the likelihood of a perfect bracket is an exercise in applied probability.
    Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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