suitable

adjective

suit·​able ˈsü-tə-bəl How to pronounce suitable (audio)
1
a
: adapted to a use or purpose
suitable for kitchen use
b
: satisfying propriety : proper
suitable dress
c
: able, qualified
a suitable candidate for the job
2
obsolete : similar, matching
suitability noun
suitableness noun
suitably adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for suitable

fit, suitable, meet, proper, appropriate, fitting, apt, happy, felicitous mean right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance.

fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

Examples of suitable in a Sentence

The dress was a suitable choice. We upgraded the computer to make it suitable to our needs.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Time for Thorough Searches: Interim appointments allow boards the necessary time to conduct comprehensive searches for suitable permanent leaders. Solange Charas, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 This work will reveal insights about the quasi-moon and help the team select a suitable sampling site. Mike Wall, Space.com, 29 May 2025 Striking notes of guaiac wood and tonka bean fulfill my musky quota, while citrusy mandarin and lemon add some intriguing brightness suitable for warmer months. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 28 May 2025 Prison officials tried to put to death Thomas Creech, the state’s longest-serving death row prisoner, in February 2024, but failed to do so when the execution team could not find a suitable vein for an IV to administer lethal injection drugs. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for suitable

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of suitable was in 1563

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suitable. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

suitable

adjective
suit·​able ˈsüt-ə-bəl How to pronounce suitable (audio)
1
: adapted to a use or purpose
food suitable for human consumption
2
: being fit or right for a use or group
clothes suitable to the occasion
a movie suitable for children
3
: qualified sense 1, capable
looking for a suitable replacement
suitability noun
suitableness
ˈsüt-ə-bəl-nəs
noun
suitably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on suitable

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