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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 Each Storytime event includes a story and a related craft, suitable for visitors up to age 8. Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025 These electrodes are housed in a body made from titanium and platinum-iridium, materials that are widely trusted in medical implants for their safety and compatibility with the human body, ensuring the device is suitable for long-term use. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025 Its breathability also makes this base layer suitable for sun protection on spring and summer hikes. Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2025 Surinam cherry is also highly suitable for container growing. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for suitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitable
Adjective
  • Spurs qualified for the Champions League after winning the Europa League last season.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • In both versions, the tax break is structured as a deduction available on qualified tips.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Localization testing helps ensure appropriate usage of region-specific currencies and symbols; attain correct display of textual content within buttons, menus or other UI elements; review adherence to local gambling regulations, such as betting limits, taxation, operational hours and more.
    Dzmitry Lubneuski, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • While 100 grams of protein might seem excessive, this amount is appropriate for many people.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • That looks like a pretty good bet to me, going forward.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 24 June 2025
  • By constantly rethinking how the world functions and how best to protect the natural environment, Lombard Odier IM has positioned itself as a guide for achieving long-term, sustainable growth.
    Judith Magyar, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Leadership in 2025 and beyond requires fitting humans, who supply feelings and ethics, together with technology that enhances the speed, reach, and uniformity of processes.
    Mark Minevich, Fortune, 25 June 2025
  • The key for Niang, who enters a contract year during an era where elite shooting is quite invaluable, will be fitting into the team defense.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Last month, Florida officials submitted a 37-page immigration enforcement plan to the federal government that called for detention centers in the south-central and northeastern regions of the state capable of holding 10,000 people.
    Skyler Swisher, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2025
  • Employers want to hire people who are capable, reliable, and confident—people who can hit the ground running without needing to be rescued.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Most interesting is Cane’s prim and proper wife, Peyton (Danielle Campbell).
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 June 2025
  • Hollywood studios and craftspeople may be busy agonizing over the proper role of AI’s potential within the film industry, but Chinese studios aren’t slowing down.
    Mathew Scott, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Social exchange theory underscores that individuals with strong relational equity, those seen as reliable and competent, are more resistant to attempts at informal sabotage.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Those referred to the Detroit Pistons’ too effective strategy of physicality, trapping, hard-fouling – the stuff Clark and all the WNBA’s most competent, marketable scorers are still dealing with.
    Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Dresses include a minidress with short sleeves is available in dark indigo and cream, a leopard print swing dress and a sleeveless mini dress with tie in the back for a more fitted look.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 June 2025
  • This set features two pillow shams, duvet cover, and flat and fitted sheet.
    Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitable. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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