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suitable

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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
Stone praised Pine’s range and suitability for the demanding role. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Oct. 2025 Reviewers love its texture, temperature-regulating qualities, and its suitability for all seasons. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Another option is to keep containerized roses as patio plants in the summer, carefully watered and kept sheltered from the worst of the afternoon sun until the weather becomes more moderate and suitable for planting in autumn. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025 With month-to-month options and no credit checks, these plans are suitable for renters, students or anyone who prefers no-strings connectivity. Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suitability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitability
Noun
  • Several weeks later, the OIG inspected the office with the city's Department of Law present and confirmed the items were in the office, prompting the OIG to underscore the necessity and appropriateness of the inspection.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Yes, Indiana likely would’ve qualified for the CFP had Cooper’s heel landed out of bounds and Indiana lost.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Indeed the Wildcats by topping the Jayhawks qualified for a bowl game.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Canada couldn’t be more appropriate to host the first Winter Games.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Always serve pumpkin in moderation and in an amount appropriate for the size of your pet.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing, including a tax advisor and/or attorney.
    Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Federal courts of appeals have divided over the question of scope of applicability.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, on his eighth touch, Payne turned a good play into a disaster.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Arsenal’s second-half performance here was arguably their best of the campaign.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The lawsuits involved dental extractions, some of which were full extractions, and/or the placement of implants that caused pain and were ill-fitting, according to court documents.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask in crowded indoor spaces also can reduce the risk of contracting respiratory infections or spreading your illness to others.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • With the Total 90 3 relaunching as a sneaker this year, the Cryoshot series appears set to be the second wave of Nike’s attempt to capitalize on soccer‘s increasing relevance in the lifestyle footwear space.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Koch’s financial philosophy blends personal relevance with practical design.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • During this time frame, a narrow, intense lake-effect snow band, only about 10 miles wide, will be capable of thunder, wind gusts near 35 mph and near-zero visibility at its peak.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Hurzeler’s Brighton in 2024-25 could be free-scoring and capable of staging immense comebacks.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suitability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitability. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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