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 of applicable

• applied
• useful
• applicative
• practical
• practicable

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

Beaver’s letter said the county’s approval processes complied with applicable legal standards, and the county has no jurisdiction over federal or state level approvals. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026

A lot of the principles in beauty — how to maximize business and go after brands — were very applicable here. — David Moin, Footwear News, 23 Aug. 2026

For 3PLs operating in healthcare, pharmaceutical distribution, or high-value retail delivery, that consistency may also help businesses meet applicable compliance requirements. — William Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026

Graduates will get an MIT Professional Education Certificate and Continuing Education Units (CEUs), if applicable. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

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