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
Future versions are projected to extend driving range to around 310–372 miles (500–600 kilometers), expanding suitability beyond short-range applications. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026 From their glossy green leaves to their indoor suitability, finding reasons to love this easy-to-grow species won’t be hard to come by. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
This allows the actuator to generate motions that are difficult to achieve with conventional planar systems while maintaining a soft, rubber-like mechanical feel suitable for direct contact with the human body. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 Mar. 2026 Organic cotton and goose down in three firm varieties mean there’s a suitable fill for stomach, back, and side sleepers alike. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suitability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitability
Noun
  • Because the structure, built in 1890, is within the city’s historic district, a certificate of appropriateness is required for exterior work on the building, including relocation and demolition.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Parents deserve a voice in their child’s education, and educators bring training and experience in curriculum, age-appropriateness and instructional standards.
    Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Associations embroiled in contentious disputes should seek guidance from qualified attorneys and other professionals to help find negotiated resolutions.
    Awilda Esteras, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026
  • With qualified early withdrawals, rules and limits are set by the IRS, rather than by you or your employer.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Alexander said in the Thursday statement that the branch would continue working with lawmakers and the executive branch agencies and resume its search for an appropriate location for the program.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Third, the chilling requirement of four to five hundred hours — the number of winter hours below 45 degrees needed for flowering to occur — eliminates much of Los Angeles as an appropriate locale for nut production.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In taking this event as his starting point, Alper has created a film that is both culturally specific, and has plenty of wider applicability as well.
    Catherine Bray, Variety, 15 Feb. 2026
  • If multiple hypotheses work to explain the data equally well but one conflicts with reality in some other realm (and the other doesn’t), the one that’s valid across the widest range of applicability is superior.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The worship of greatness leads, at best, to disillusionment and, at worst, to the insanity unleashed by the Wagnerian Hitler.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The service Always friendly, and a good guest-to-staff ratio means help is never far away.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Her stunning rings are fitting with the rest of her legendary jewelry collection, which also includes a 50-diamond bracelet and an emerald Bulgari brooch.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The loud lime shade is fitting for a vibrant party, while the wax construction prevents drips, so the area stays clean and safe all night.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Drone defense technology NUBURU views the early engagement as an important validation of the technology’s operational relevance and market interest.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Meanwhile, baseball in Cuba has steadily deteriorated, with crumbling facilities and a domestic league that has lost both its talent and its relevance as top players leave and younger ones look elsewhere.
    Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The team demonstrated photonic lanterns capable of combining 7, 19, and 37 VCSEL lasers.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The rear one is capable of faster USB-3 throughput, topping out at 10 gigabits per second and also supports DisplayPort for connecting to external displays.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Suitability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitability. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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