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
Rising redemptions The recent spike in redemption requests across private credit has raised fresh questions about the suitability of the industry's higher-yielding, but less-liquid, vehicles for retail investors. Hugh Leask, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026 He was granted parole under the state's Elderly Parole Program, which allows inmates 50 or older who have served at least 20 consecutive years to receive a specialized parole suitability hearing. Louis Casiano , Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
These spaces support daily life — children at play, neighbors in conversation, families at home — while ground floors accommodate shops and services and upper floors provide a wide range of housing, including units suitable for families. Alicia Pederson, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026 And warmer temperatures due to climate change are creating conditions increasingly suitable for its spread. Devika Rao, TheWeek, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suitability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitability
Noun
  • This week, the 11-member Historic and Design Review Commission unanimously voted to issue a certificate of appropriateness for the second phase, an important requirement the city had to secure before applying for other permits and awarding a construction contract.
    Megan Rodriguez, San Antonio Express-News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The update comes as rodeo outfits have drawn attention online, including viral social media videos debating the appropriateness of attire worn by some attendees.
    Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Outside experts and watchdogs suspect that before the first meeting in July, Kennedy will work to stack the advisory board with questionably qualified allies who will come with a predetermined decision to ease access to the drugs—no rigorous scientific evaluation needed.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The bill made permanent the qualified opportunity zone program, which allows investors to defer capital gains by rolling them over into a fund that invests in a low-income community.
    Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There are no winners in wildfire; however, the Court's decision supports PacifiCorp's longstanding belief that this process was prejudicial and not appropriate for managing wildfire litigation.
    Alex Crippen, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Federal education law requires that all students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • These factors reduce the applicability and appeal to venture-style funding.
    Samuel Mueller, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The research team also revealed that their strategy is a highly effective approach for improving not only the thermoelectric and mechanical performances of Ag2Se but also its applicability in curved or flexible energy harvesting devices.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Lemon Poppyseed Muffins Trader Joe’s muffins have a good reputation—and for good reason.
    Staff Author, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2026
  • And the rigmarole of international travel is a very good reason.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The switch from country superstar to incognito face in the crowd feels Hannah Montana-coded — fitting for a singer who impersonated the Disney icon at parties before finding fame herself.
    Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
  • In that sense, Tuesday’s Play-In loss to Portland was fitting.
    Doug Haller, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Long-term relevance and sustained national influence carried greater weight than short-term financial performance or recent popularity.
    Nancy Cutler, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
  • In those territories, the awards function as shorthand for quality and relevance.
    Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • State media claim the warship is designed to carry a range of systems, including anti-air and anti-ship weapons as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles.
    Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026
  • California Attorney General Rob Bonta and local prosecutors urged parents to check their children's e-bikes, saying some of the vehicles may be motorcycles or mopeds capable of high speeds.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Suitability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitability. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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