APPLICABLE Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'applicable' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of applicable are apposite , apropos , germane , material , pertinent , and relevant . While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," 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

Q: When is 'apposite' a more appropriate choice than 'applicable'?

The meanings of apposite and applicable largely overlap; however, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance. // add an apposite quotation to the definition

Q: When would 'apropos' be a good substitute for 'applicable'?

While in some cases nearly identical to applicable , apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune. // the quip was apropos

Q: In what contexts can 'germane' take the place of 'applicable'?

In some situations, the words germane and applicable are roughly equivalent. However, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion. // a point not germane to the discussion

Q: When might 'material' be a better fit than 'applicable'?

Although the words material and applicable have much in common, material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case. // facts material to the investigation

Q: When can 'pertinent' be used instead of 'applicable'?

The synonyms pertinent and applicable are sometimes interchangeable, but pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance. // a pertinent observation

Q: When is it sensible to use 'relevant' instead of 'applicable'?

The words relevant and applicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection. // found material relevant to her case

applicable

adjective

ˈa-pli-kə-bəl

Definition of applicable next

as in applied

capable of being put to use or account is that information applicable in this case?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relevant

having to do with the matter at hand that comment isn't applicable to our discussion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in appropriate

meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation a knack for selecting the most applicable word

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word applicable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of applicable are apposite, apropos, germane, material, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," 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

When is apposite a more appropriate choice than applicable?

The meanings of apposite and applicable largely overlap; however, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

When would apropos be a good substitute for applicable?

While in some cases nearly identical to applicable, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

In what contexts can germane take the place of applicable?

In some situations, the words germane and applicable are roughly equivalent. However, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When might material be a better fit than applicable?

Although the words material and applicable have much in common, material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When can pertinent be used instead of applicable?

The synonyms pertinent and applicable are sometimes interchangeable, but pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

When is it sensible to use relevant instead of applicable?

The words relevant and applicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

Examples 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 applicable Read More: The First Out Trans Lawyer to Argue Before the Supreme Court Is Feeling the Pressure The Supreme Court will need to decide what level of scrutiny is applicable for Tennessee’s gender-affirming care ban. —

Solcyré Burga, TIME, 2 Dec. 2024 Despite calls for change after Joey Logano's unexpected championship win—an outcome seen as not reflective of season performance given his 17.1 average finish, the worst among champions—experts suggest realignment, not overhaul, is more applicable. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024 Williams was immediately impressed by how applicable Malcolm’s vision for the film was to the current generation and would be for future audiences. —

Angelique Jackson, Variety, 24 Nov. 2024 This Cyber Monday, score a pair for $50 off at select retailers, including Amazon, through December 8; the same discount will be applicable on Amazon from December 16 through 22. —

Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for applicable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicable

Adjective

An applied micro-economist, Bertrand conducts research in the fields of labor economics, corporate finance, political economy and development economics.

Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
But scientists funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the largest funder of basic and applied research, typically experience gaps in funding of 2 to 3 years each, a 2023 study found.

ByJeffrey Brainard, science.org, 1 Aug. 2024