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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

Examples 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 become a globally practicable system, the flexibility of the startup’s model doesn’t fix all nations into the same scoring method; different countries can emphasize attributes relevant to their region. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2024 This includes checking the citizenship status of federal-only voters against an immigration status verification service provided by the Department of Homeland Security when practicable. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 11 Sep. 2024 Anyone running a vulnerable version should update as soon as practicable. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 2 July 2024 To avoid wasting funds on programs that often serve as life support for local defense industries, EU countries should pool their resources whenever practicable. Stuart E. Eizenstat, Foreign Affairs, 1 Mar. 2010 See all Example Sentences for practicable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • Unlike those painters, however, Mathieson had to create his images on location with an army of collaborators and the challenge of crafting beautiful images when Scott’s preference is to shoot with as many cameras as possible — something Mathieson says makes lighting exponentially more difficult.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Trump could also take executive action to direct agencies to cut as many unnecessary steps as possible and to simplify their processes.
    Li Zhou, WIRED, 23 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Faith should be practically applicable and meaningful.
    Walt Shelton, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • This means grocery data provides insights that are applicable to a wide variety of consumers, from high-income earners to more budget-conscious individuals.
    Jon Jacobson, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Consuming high quality, unsweetened cocoa powder, or even 70% dark chocolate in small doses offers a sense of satiety that could be useful for those hoping to maintain or lose weight.
    Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024
  • India’s effort to build domestic support for global leadership by mounting a G-20 road show—encouraging popular participation by creating festival pavilions and scheduling lectures, meetings, and other events in dozens of Indian cities—provides a useful model.
    Leslie Vinjamuri, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • God is with us through our best of friends because friendship is holiness at its practical best.
    Walt Shelton, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Build With Open APIs One practical way to minimize platform dependence is to follow an API-first approach.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Once land is designated as available for lease, leases are typically auctioned off to the highest bidder.
    Li Zhou, WIRED, 23 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Changing one may be feasible, but too many make synergy difficult.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Fitting these kinds of computational resources on a small and power-constrained vehicle like a drone is typically not feasible.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • An applied micro-economist, Bertrand conducts research in the fields of labor economics, corporate finance, political economy and development economics.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
  • But scientists funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the largest funder of basic and applied research, typically experience gaps in funding of 2 to 3 years each, a 2023 study found.
    ByJeffrey Brainard, science.org, 1 Aug. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near practicable

Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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