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Definition of suitabilitynext
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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
However, the logo’s unconventional imagery has divided public opinion, with some questioning its suitability as the symbol of such an iconic institution. Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026 He was denied parole in July 2025, and his next parole suitability hearing is scheduled for July 2028. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2026
Adjective
The majority are rated for adults, but others are deemed suitable for teens, and a few have no age restrictions. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 Fernandez is not actively up for sale, which is why Chelsea stood firm on their £120m asking price for most of the summer and set City a deadline of 5pm last Friday to submit a suitable offer. Liam Twomey, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suitability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitability
Noun
  • Many times issues exist with respect to medical necessity, treatment appropriateness and reimbursement defensibility.
    Bruce Roffe, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Decisions should be based on educational value, age appropriateness, and professional review while ensuring parents, educators, and community members have a voice in the process.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Still, the reason Belmont endures is its plain language and broad applicability.
    Stephanie Haridopolos, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2026
  • Set that against Microsoft's research mapping AI applicability across occupations, which scores knowledge and information work highest and physical labor lowest, and an unnerving pattern surfaces.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • His key priorities include making the brand more compelling to consumers through innovation, cultural relevance, and value.
    Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The technology was developed for nuclear plants in the United States and could have relevance for facilities using similar ice condenser systems in countries including Japan and Finland.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The crux of the dispute surrounds the validity of a contract extension option for Mateta, one which Palace exercised in December 2024.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • As enterprise value continues to shift toward intangible assets, IP ownership, validity and enforceability directly inform valuation defensibility and post closing performance assumptions.
    Keegan Caldwell, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Even if the limb could be spared, its future usefulness was doubtful.
    Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In the past year or two, in the interest of sustainability and recognizing its usefulness, customers have been seeking glass items to add to their collections.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For the most part, though, Evans has focused on fitness, wellness, and beauty.
    Maggie Fremont, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Aug. 2026
  • There’s a rowing machine and stationary bike to go with yoga mats and a fitness ball.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Some brands, such as Lululemon and Ralph Lauren,have managed to maintain relevancy and sales.
    Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Loki Seasons 1-2 (2021-2023) The only show on this list, which is sort of saying something about D+ series’ relevancy to the larger MCU.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Suitability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitability. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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