Definition of suitablenext
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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 suitable Floating panels expand solar Floating solar can provide developers with another option when suitable land is limited or competing land uses make conventional solar projects difficult to build. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026 It's got four seats (though the ones in the rear are only really suitable for kids under 5ft3), 481 liters of storage, and a bit more room for the charging cable and other gear under the rear seating. New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2026 Tejeda explained that the hearing would determine whether Taubman was both eligible and suitable for mental health diversion. Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2026 Export options include multiple print and digital sizes suitable for ebooks and self-publishing platforms. Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitable
Adjective
  • There is also the problem of finding enough qualified people to do the work.
    Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The rules expressly allowed up to three horses but otherwise restricted livestock and poultry unless the animals qualified as household pets.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • No one should be reading the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Barnyard Recruitment Manual without appropriate ID.
    Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026
  • But on Wednesday, the Fed’s rate-setting committee unanimously agreed to a rate hike, and nearly all policymakers signaled that a second increase later this year would likely be appropriate.
    Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Godspell opened in March 1973 to pretty good reviews and disappointing box office.
    Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Most credit cards have variable interest rates that track the prime rate banks charge their best customers.
    Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Root was nominated for his work as Monroe Fuches on Barry in 2019, making his new record especially fitting.
    Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Gig spent 40 years as a railroad conductor, so his grandchildren say driving the tram was a fitting second career.
    Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The two components will work together as an all-up-round, or AUR, test bed capable of supporting hypersonic flight testing.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Remember that your shotgun cannot be capable of holding more than two cartridges in the magazine, and three total.
    Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • But the jet rose above the normal path aircraft take on their approach to Runway 30 before dropping altitude to return back into proper position, tracking data from Flightradar24 showed.
    Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The 6,970-yard course is challenging but fair and open enough for all handicaps, from the proper tees, to have a good time.
    Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • In December 2023, a psychologist found that Walters was competent.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In a May report, the hospital said Faust was competent to stand trial.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Currently on sale for $100, these pants are lined with the brand’s Arctic Fleece fabric and have a semi-fitted, straight-leg shape.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Suitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitable. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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