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
  • Plan ahead as much as possible Nailing down all the angles of your trip ahead of time can save you both a lot of headaches and a significant amount of money.
    Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The November 2024 ceasefire was the best possible alternative at the time — certainly better than more war.
    Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • All short-term rentals would be required to meet applicable building, fire, and health codes, including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and safe structural components.
    Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
  • But again, this is a rule that’s applicable to Shohei.
    Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There is some evidence that psilocybin may be useful to treat depression in some people, but there have been just a few clinical trials.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2026
  • There’s a useful map of the world’s critical chokepoints here.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Working with the Calling All Dreamers advisors, Christine Wonderson is figuring how to break the business down into more achievable chunks, rather than trying to do everything at once.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • In the increasingly less achievable Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario, oil and gas demand would drop by 75%.
    Big Think, Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Moon steadies Jupiter’s influence, helping practical decisions create emotional ease.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
  • In these systems, the active materials tend to degrade and leak through the membrane, a process that rapidly wears out the battery and limits its practical lifespan.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That figures to be addressed not only in the sixth round, but also with remaining available free agents and undrafted free agency.
    Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Every other player on both teams was available.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The map still favors Republicans, but Trump’s declining popularity --- particularly on the economy --- makes Democrats’ once long-shot bid to retake the Senate more feasible than ever.
    Erin Cox, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • This type of autonomous interrogation is feasible, aligns with AI companies’ business models and has raised concern among regulators.
    Brian Jay Tang, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The heavy investment by the state in the demolition is seen as evidence that the city is serious about developing the applied AI center.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
  • His attorney, Ava Benach, said Vedam hopes to live with a relative in Sacramento and has been offered a spot in Oregon State University’s doctoral program in applied anthropology.
    Mark Scolforo, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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