suitability 1 of 2

Definition of suitabilitynext

suitable

2 of 2

adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective suitable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of suitable are appropriate, apt, felicitous, fitting, fit, happy, meet, and proper. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

In what contexts can appropriate take the place of suitable?

The meanings of appropriate and suitable largely overlap; however, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

Where would apt be a reasonable alternative to suitable?

The synonyms apt and suitable are sometimes interchangeable, but apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When could felicitous be used to replace suitable?

In some situations, the words felicitous and suitable are roughly equivalent. However, felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

When is fit a more appropriate choice than suitable?

While in some cases nearly identical to suitable, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When would fitting be a good substitute for suitable?

While the synonyms fitting and suitable are close in meaning, fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

When might happy be a better fit than suitable?

The words happy and suitable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

When is it sensible to use meet instead of suitable?

The words meet and suitable can be used in similar contexts, but meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When can proper be used instead of suitable?

Although the words proper and suitable have much in common, proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

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 suitability
Noun
From their glossy green leaves to their indoor suitability, finding reasons to love this easy-to-grow species won’t be hard to come by. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026 Then, narrow the choices down further by looking into traits that suit your growing conditions and preferences, including the time between planting and harvest and, if needed, the variety’s suitability for containers or small-space gardens. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
While wood and metal headboards often are exceptional choices for a DIY upgrade, Symonds says fabric versions are just as suitable. Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 25 Feb. 2026 The nearby aft cockpit is fitted with side sofas that slide outward to transform the deck into a dancefloor or panoramic lounge, making the space suitable for any occasion. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suitability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitability
Noun
  • The term is fine when describing retail or other transactions, which are agnostic with regard to the appropriateness about what is being provided (or how).
    Lois Snyder Sulmasy, STAT, 23 Feb. 2026
  • In a statement to the Connecticut Mirror, the State Police declined to say whether Blanchette and Leslie had a more detailed conversation about the appropriateness of a deliberate collision.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The money goes in tax-free, grows tax-free, and — if used for qualified medical expenses — comes out tax-free.
    Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Scotland last qualified for the World Cup in 1998.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Go back long enough and pink was considered entirely appropriate for creating a commanding, masculine look.
    Adam Mansuroglu, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Kick flares work well here, but flowy, straight-leg pants feel a little more appropriate for our current moment.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In taking this event as his starting point, Alper has created a film that is both culturally specific, and has plenty of wider applicability as well.
    Catherine Bray, Variety, 15 Feb. 2026
  • If multiple hypotheses work to explain the data equally well but one conflicts with reality in some other realm (and the other doesn’t), the one that’s valid across the widest range of applicability is superior.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The steep declines this week showed just how on edge investors are regarding AI — even when the news is good, or when doomsday scenarios are completely made out of thin air.
    Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Garna showed some really good things in my time.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The form-fitting, ultra-soft stretch fabric and flattering neckline of the Chelden Turtleneck Dress deliver a polished look from departure to arrival.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2026
  • And apparently, her relatives end up loving Connor, which gives Bri the confidence to come to the dress fitting that both her mom and Connor’s mom attend.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Some of those local media outlets were at a Sharks practice for the first time this season, underscoring the team’s growing relevance and Celebrini’s reach as one of the Bay Area’s most recognizable sports figures.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The goal was to strengthen synergies between the two trade shows, increase international relevance and make the experience more seamless for buyers and vendors.
    Katie Abel, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • At this strategic altitude, the facility would be capable of generating gigawatt-level electricity, providing a constant and high-capacity stream of clean energy back to the planet.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Amid the war with Iran and concern over that country's very capable cyber threat, Cramer will hear from Kurtz, one of the biggest leaders in the cybersecurity industry.
    Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Suitability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitability. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

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