suitability 1 of 2

Definition of suitabilitynext

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
However, when considering its suitability to beginners, this telescope is impressive, especially for its even cheaper price point over Black Friday weekend. Chris McMullen, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2026 The project has developed a multistage process that begins with analyzing multiple paper types to determine their suitability for the heat treatment process. Etiido Uko march 28, New Atlas, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Rising temperatures are making the climate more suitable for transmission, one study suggested. Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 The fairways are wide and generous, but many natural hazards make this golf course a suitable challenge. Megan Dubois, USA Today, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for suitability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitability
Noun
  • The superintendent should consult with generative AI experts to learn the difference between AI and generative AI, to determine the appropriateness of generative AI in schools, to establish safety protocols to avoid data breaches and deny student access to erroneous and/or offensive information.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
  • But the city says the Historic Preservation Board should still weigh in on the project’s overall design and decide whether to grant the hotel a certificate of appropriateness, based on compatibility with the surrounding area and other criteria.
    Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The dAS10 aircraft, which is registered in the French civil aviation register as F-DCCH, is qualified under France’s UAS regulatory framework.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
  • Universal pre-K programs, reading interventions at Grade 3, free tuition at community colleges and technical schools for qualified students.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Investigators said prior to his death, Noel's mother failed to give him appropriate care for issues that included chronic lung disease, pulmonary edema, and esotropia.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 16 May 2026
  • Officers have also said in Board of Correction meetings that our city should divert people with serious mental health needs into appropriate treatment, rather than relying on them to fill in for shameful gaps in our public health system.
    Jason Rodriguez, New York Daily News, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • Playwright Mark Rosenblatt takes a leaf from the Peter Morgan playbook of using newsy real-life controversies with direct contemporary applicability to spark balanced drama.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
  • These factors reduce the applicability and appeal to venture-style funding.
    Samuel Mueller, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Guests don’t even need to leave the Torre Virreyes building to dine at a few other top restaurants in the area, including the aforementioned Carmela y Sal, which has one of the city’s best tasting menus.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Shohei Ohtani also put together good at-bats.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Beef star stepped out in a loose-fitting, silky matching set, which instantly turned a simple look into a refined ensemble.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • The movie’s Spanish title could also be translated as The Thaw, as fitting and double-edged as The Meltdown, but with a slightly different slant, as in Lina’s eventual warming to Inés.
    Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • That focus gives his practice a very specific kind of relevance.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • The apparent conflict highlights the ambiguous rules around recall status and its relevance in a trial that’s been peppered with globe-trotting billionaires.
    David Ingram, NBC news, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Djed Spence and Tino Livramento have the advantage over Alexander-Arnold in being able to play on both sides of the back four, but the Real Madrid man is a wildcard capable of special moments.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • The light triggered a chemical rearrangement inside the crystal, reshaping its internal architecture and creating tiny cavities capable of trapping water molecules from the air.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Suitability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitability. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

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