applicable

adjective

ap·​pli·​ca·​ble ˈa-pli-kə-bəl How to pronounce applicable (audio)
also
ə-ˈpli-kə- How to pronounce applicable (audio)
: capable of or suitable for being applied : appropriate
statutes applicable to the case
A fee is applicable when a scheduled payment is late.
applicability
ˌa-pli-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce applicable (audio)
 also  ə-ˌpli-kə-
noun
Choose the Right Synonym for applicable

relevant, germane, material, pertinent, apposite, applicable, apropos mean relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand.

relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.

the rule is not applicable in this case

apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

Examples of applicable in a Sentence

Businesses must comply with all applicable laws. is that information applicable in this case?
Recent Examples on the Web The cement plant was covered by a use permit, and one of the conditions of the permit was that the operator must comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Joe Simitian, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2024 But toward the end of the legislative session, Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, tacked on an amendment requiring the public access counselor to only interpret the exact text of state laws or applicable court cases when issuing advisory opinions. Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 18 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for applicable 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'applicable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French applicable, applicquable, borrowed from Medieval Latin applicābilis, from Latin applicāre "to bring into contact (with), apply" + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy (of being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of applicable was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near applicable

Cite this Entry

“Applicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/applicable. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

applicable

adjective
ap·​pli·​ca·​ble ˈap-li-kə-bəl How to pronounce applicable (audio)
also
ə-ˈplik-ə- How to pronounce applicable (audio)
: capable of being put to use or put into practice : appropriate
applicability
ˌap-li-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce applicable (audio)
 also  ə-ˌplik-ə-
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on applicable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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