applicable

adjective

ap·​pli·​ca·​ble ˈa-pli-kə-bəl 

also

ə-ˈpli-kə- 

: 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 

 also  ə-ˌpli-kə-

noun

Synonyms

• actionable
• applicative
• applied
• functional
• practicable
• practical
• serviceable
• ultrapractical
• usable
• useable
• useful
• workable
• working

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

While the first sale rule is broadly applicable across products and industries, it is considered particularly useful in higher-value consumer goods and luxury products, where margins are greater. —Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 26 May 2025

The average cost of a fast food meal includes applicable state and local sales taxes based on the restaurants' locations. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025

Boating: Not applicable, as the quarry is designed for swimming and relaxation rather than boating. ⚓ Fishing: Catch and release fishing is allowed in the two ponds during open swim. —Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2025

Notify the Employment Security Department and applicable labor representatives. —Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

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

Rhymes for applicable

• inapplicable

Kids Definition

applicable

adjective

ap·​pli·​ca·​ble ˈap-li-kə-bəl 

also

ə-ˈplik-ə- 

: capable of being put to use or put into practice : appropriate

applicability

ˌap-li-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

 also  ə-ˌplik-ə-

noun