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 Those decisions should be made with a commitment to replenishing reserves as soon as practicable. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 Under the settlement agreement, CSU must provide notice to employees as soon as reasonably practicable before complying with any subpoena for employees’ personal information unless notice would be prohibited by law or regulation, according to a statement from the California Faculty Association. Edsource, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026 Any future accommodation will be privately funded by the King, and it's understood that the move will happen as soon as practicable. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 McCuskey says a testing regimen is just not practicable and that Becky can still compete, but on a boys team. ABC News, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • Widespread totals of 2 to 4 inches, with up to 6 inches in the strongest thunderstorms, are possible from the western Florida Panhandle to southern portions of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and possibly the Texas coast.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • To make that possible, companies must study their audience, track behavior, collect feedback and continually improve the experience rather than treating the website as a frozen asset.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • That means ensuring ballot questions are accurately summarized, comply with applicable legal standards, and satisfy constitutional requirements before they are certified.
    Robert Cordy, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026
  • Sutton’s bitter lesson is applicable to biology because so much of the human body — not just the mind — is still beyond our understanding.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • Review social media posts Social media platforms and patient reviews can be a useful tool before visiting for a consultation.
    Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • Pushing up, squeezing play and trying to regain the ball in advanced positions is a perfectly viable and often successful strategy, particularly when treated as a useful add-on to quality in possession.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • Szczepaniak believes reaching that target is ambitious but achievable within five years.
    Lidia Kurasinska, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • The Chiefs have enjoyed a dynasty, which isn’t achievable without having many unsung architects behind the scenes.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • The 15 stories below range from frustrating to funny to downright unbelievable, but each comes with a practical takeaway that could help another traveler avoid the same fate.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • In practical terms, the material acts almost like a thermal insulator while still producing an electrical response, quite an achievement.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • That’s attributed largely to Miami’s position as the largest short-term rental market among World Cup hosts, with 42,700 available listings in June.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • The first 100 guests will receive a free two-piece chicken-leg and thigh meal — no purchase necessary, only available inside the restaurant.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • But even getting just a simple majority in the Senate has proven not to be feasible.
    Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 24 July 2026
  • Officials at the historic site have said that expanding the carvings on the mountain is not feasible.
    Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • Clinic director Enedelia Sanner said Caravel provides applied behavior analysis, or ABA services, to help children build skills.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 15 July 2026
  • Steve Hanke is a Senior Contributing Columnist at Fortune, a professor of applied economics at The Johns Hopkins University, and a member of the Board of Directors at the Federal Fiscal Sustainability Foundation.
    Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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