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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
Airlines are required to verify passengers' suitability through multiple steps, beginning with ticket purchase and continuing through boarding. Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025 Yet each individual lava structure needs to be surveyed and imaged—in three dimensions—to determine its suitability for a human outpost, Pérez-del-Pulgar says. Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Landscaped with native greenery, they are envisioned as multipurpose spaces suitable for use as outdoor classrooms, study areas, and places to meet. New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2025 Developed by Nordex Group, the turbine is suitable for typical North American wind sites. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suitability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitability
Noun
  • The appropriateness tests that platforms like Saxo will implement serve as additional safeguards.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Property owners must apply for a special permit, called a certificate of appropriateness, to demolish a building on the local historic register.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Exceptions are made for legally married couples and qualified military personnel.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The process begins with nominations, which can be made only by certain qualified individuals—such as national government officials, university professors in relevant fields, previous laureates, and members of international courts.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Multiple artists, including Marina Abramović, are credited as fine-arts collaborators for Masquerade, all of whom allowed the production to feature their thematically appropriate work.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Additional event information will be shared when appropriate.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Federal courts of appeals have divided over the question of scope of applicability.
    Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2025
  • 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, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • His free-throw stroke looked good, buoyed by sinking all but two of his eight attempts.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Another factor is whether your partnership's no-trump range is a strict 15-17 or includes good 14-counts.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The characters deal with real-life teen emotions—like fitting in and missing a loved one—while chasing big dreams together.
    Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The tricky part is fitting hammer throw, javelin and discus into the equation.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • From migrants and colonizers to gossip and war, Emily Wilson examines The Aeneid and its relevance to the modern world.
    tumblr.com, tumblr.com, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Earn valuable welcome bonuses with a Chase card Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • General manager Bill Guerin believes Boldy is capable of scoring 50 goals and 50 assists in a season at some point.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Final thoughts Turkey offers a wide field of capable teams that share common fundamentals even if their styles differ.
    Maria Williams, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suitability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitability. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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