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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 To do this, the United States must maintain the capability to destroy as many of the attacker’s nuclear weapons as practicable before or after they are launched, a principle known as counterforce targeting. Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • Since last Thursday, Disney has run public messages notifying YouTube TV customers of a possible blackout.
    Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
  • An additional 1 to 2 inches is possible today over portions of Hispaniola.
    MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Read on to learn 13 applicable ways to freshen the rustic look.
    Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2025
  • Brandon Cwalina, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, which runs Medicaid in the state, said the state already requires every Medicaid applicant to verify their citizenship or, where applicable, their eligible immigration status.
    Phil Galewitz, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Currently, the system uses external motion capture cameras for indoor testing and is therefore not useful in outdoor environments yet.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The mop feature is also fantastic for wood floors and very useful for spills while cooking.
    Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • While the analysts largely see those projections as achievable, the company will need to tighten execution across its entire business to hit the higher end of its range.
    Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Relegation might become obvious inside the first nine games, a fact Sunderland fans know from painful experience, but survival isn’t achievable this early.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Dirty Truths reminds us that renewal can be both beautiful and practical.
    Essence, Essence, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The canals and pond, which were aggregately 193,000 cubic meters in volume and appear to have no practical purpose, would have taken 255,000 days of labor by a single individual.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • For a cozy addition, snag this boucle swivel armchair that’s available in five colors and an upholstered bed frame with hidden storage drawers.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Grander residences are also available to rent; a few of the 10 are owned by boldface names like Donna Karan.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Pipe cleaners can also be secured to a headband if a hood isn't feasible.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Although becoming Rumi might require a hair transformation, Zoey's space buns are feasible for anyone.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The 2025 Nobel Prize for physics recognizes original investigations in the intersection of basic and applied sciences.
    Zhixin Wang, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Moving beyond the theory of the market, those skilled in applied finance understand how to make practical decisions in financial spaces.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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