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
  • Anything and everything is possible and can be achieved with a trademark, down-to-earth friendliness.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • Wherever possible, Arnold shot outside the studio, capturing her subjects going about their everyday lives — a radical approach for celebrity photography at the time.
    Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Accessibility The main resort is mainly step-free access, and all villas can be modified for wheelchair accessibility with ramps put in place of steps where applicable.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • This meant that they were neither governed nor protected by any applicable law.
    Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • That first experience of European competition was a useful learning curve, but the team will have to adapt after reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League in 2023-24 by topping a group of four teams that also contained Marseille, Ajax and AEK Athens.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 29 May 2026
  • Delta Business Traveler’s free program gives freelancers and small business owners access to discounts, travel perks and business offers that are actually useful.
    Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • My co-authors and I are often asked by citizens, academics and stakeholders whether the School District of Philadelphia’s stated goals for closures – cost savings and reinvestment in existing schools – are achievable.
    Julia McWilliams, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
  • Converting data into faster, more reliable operational judgment is achievable.
    Greg Ombach, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Kids can enjoy welcome milk and cookies, along with a variety of in-room amenities, such as toys and board games, kid-sized robes and slippers, and practical items like cribs, high chairs, bottle warmers, and diapers.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Josh, who wants to be an investigative journalist, is an idealist in a PBS T-shirt (and with a PBS tote bag) who gets by on family money and is incapable of taking care of himself in any practical way.
    Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Going tomorrow, everyone’s available.
    Jose de Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Catcher Logan O’Hoppe didn’t challenge, even though the Angels had both of their challenges available.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • The bill also encourages private professional guardians to meet with the allegedly disabled adult prior to being appointed to the case or as soon as is feasible.
    Emily Hoerner, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
  • As soon as feasible, the team will send its space smoothies on an actual mission so crew members can report their taste and mouth-feel in microgravity, and evaluate how long the components will last.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • After finishing her schooling at Exarch Joseph I in Lovech, Karabash earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Veliko Tarnovo in applied linguistics with English and French.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 May 2026
  • Meanwhile, New York’s share of national creative jobs has declined across key industries, including film and television, advertising, music production, performing arts, and applied design.
    Lola W. Brabham, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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