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 The inmate can choose to decline the offer and be released as soon as possible or practicable. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026 Others wonder whether a revival of the uptown flagship is practicable. — David Moin, Footwear News, 11 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • Another 1 to 3 inches of rain is possible through the rest of the weekend, with localized totals exceeding 5 inches, as showers shift toward the Northeast.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Cappu is using the market to meet distributors and other possible partners on the title, with available rights to be confirmed on a per-territory basis.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Every action has an equal and opposition reaction, a law of physics that’s equally applicable to the realm of politics.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
  • This strategy could also result in higher survivor benefits, if applicable.
    — John Csiszar, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Apple Vision Pro proved particularly useful for judging the scale of sets before physical construction.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • As Japan entered a period of political upheaval in the mid-nineteenth century, criminal gangs became useful in a new way.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Other countries around the world are showing this once-ambitious public health goal is very much achievable.
    — Philip A. Chan, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Prime Day Outdoor Deals Making your exteriors feel like an extension of your interior design is more than achievable with Amazon Prime Day’s leftover deals on patio furniture and decor.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Open storage and practical furniture make surprisingly efficient use of the footprint, while floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with California sunshine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Mercury in your sign quincunxes Saturn in your 6th House, creating tension between your thoughts and the practical demands of work, health, or routine.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Rolapp, meanwhile, said in January there was no guarantee the program that brought Koepka back would be available again.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • So the other, cheaper bird that’s for sale — the $2,000 bird that a clerk might have told her about — is that available in-house, or is that a special order?
    — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The study concluded annexation is legally and physically feasible — the area is contiguous, compact and urbanized.
    — Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • However, whether bringing the tournament back to Boise is feasible is a different question.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Its analysis found that 74% of those mentions were tied to real-world projects rather than coursework, an indication students are trying to demonstrate their applied experience.
    — Corynn Winston, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
  • By combining aluminum’s low weight with a pre-applied coating, the company is targeting a way to make battery components easier to manufacture while meeting durability and insulation requirements.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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