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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • Now Jabra has developed a new class of enterprise headset that can counter these issues by providing the clearest audio quality possible with the ability to filter out the ambient noise of an open-plan office or a busy café.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
  • These conditions can make driving challenging, so exercise extreme caution on the road, and if possible, consider delaying your trip.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Winner is responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes, if any, as well as any other costs and expenses associated with Prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided.
    AJC.com, AJC.com, 12 Jan. 2026
  • China has pushed for a broadly applicable minimum price.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Hoekstra spent 15 years at Herman Miller absorbing lessons that would prove useful far beyond furniture sales.
    Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • An outmoded concept, evil was baggage from a pre-modern age, the least useful way to interpret bad behavior.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • For many governments, the question is no longer whether nuclear aligns with climate aims, but whether their development goals are achievable without it.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
  • You’re being asked to turn intuition into intention and to commit to dreams that feel both inspired and achievable.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Cameron Diaz’s clever accessory is a closet staple — check out even more practical belt bags to shop at Amazon below.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The brand makes outerwear that’s luxuriously stylish, but practical, too.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Flight inventory is usually available, but prices spike close to departure.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • When more people want to live somewhere than there are homes available, prices go up.
    J.D. Hayworth, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Trevino and his roommate often travel for work, so owning a dog wouldn’t be feasible, but Sweetness remains up for adoption.
    Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 24 Jan. 2026
  • However, with approximately one-third of Marylanders renting their home or apartments, these systems are not feasible for all.
    Calvin Ball, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • On that note, PESCO-UP is led by VTT, the largest research and technology company and research center in Finland, conducting applied research.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Then, Miller placed his hands around her neck and applied pressure, causing the woman to experience difficulty breathing, a court document states.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.

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