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
Its suitability to our climate stems from its origin in the South African Cape Floristic Province, whose climate approximates our own, except our summers are a bit hotter. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026 The state alleges Darnell failed to conduct individualized suitability analyses and did not disclose conflicts of interest tied to commission payments. Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
The planned execution of Thomas Creech in 2024 could not be carried out because a suitable vein could not be found to administer lethal drugs. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026 Exploring the utility The technology is suitable for multiple industries, including consumer electronics, automotive interiors, home appliances, smart home systems, and medical devices. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suitability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitability
Noun
  • 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
  • Selecting the right songs for your family's commute involves considering the mood, energy, and appropriateness of the lyrics based on your child's age.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That said, these are average rates, and qualified borrowers who take the time to shop around for lower rates may find more affordable options.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The lowest APRs are only available to the most qualified applicants, depending on credit profile and the state where the property is located, and those who also select ten year loan terms; APRs will be higher for other applicants and those who select longer loan terms.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Everyone is urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 Mar. 2026
  • That plan ultimately goes awry, with Margot surviving the attack, smartly staged in a way that doesn’t completely ratchet up the violent tension, keeping the audience in an appropriate level of comfort while not compromising the narrative.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • And while mice are not humans, the biology the team has identified is highly conserved across animals, Naik explains, and this suggests the finding may have some applicability to humans.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026
  • 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 adviser of his/her choosing, including a tax adviser and/or attorney.
    Steve Hruby, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Gluting is ranked as the second best left-hander in Illinois in the 2027 class by Prep Baseball Report behind Benet’s Quinn Rooney, who’s a Notre Dame recruit.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • But UConn, usually at its best after making halftime adjustments, immediately fell behind again in the third.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • As is fitting for such an important event in science history, the launch was captured from a multitude of views in stunning images that immortalize this giant leap for humanity.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026
  • There has never been a more fitting opening to a season of a Bravo show than the marquee sign in front of Jax’s bar being taken down and unceremoniously plopped on the sidewalk.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Size now matters less, and success will be determined by relevance to consumers and capital markets, according to the consultancy firm.
    Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The aircraft’s modular design and open avionics architecture allow for rapid integration of new capabilities, ensuring continued relevance.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Bills have a host of capable receiving options like Shakir, tight end Dalton Kincaid and now wide receiver DJ Moore, who was acquired for a second round pick, but the team still has a need at the position.
    Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The law also explicitly states that allowing a reasonably capable child to walk to school or travel to a nearby park unsupervised does not, by itself, constitute neglect.
    Stephen Johnson, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Suitability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitability. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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