Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective apt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of apt are appropriate, felicitous, fitting, fit, happy, meet, proper, and suitable. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When is appropriate a more appropriate choice than apt?

While in some cases nearly identical to apt, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

When can felicitous be used instead of apt?

The words felicitous and apt can be used in similar contexts, but felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

In what contexts can fit take the place of apt?

In some situations, the words fit and apt are roughly equivalent. However, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When might fitting be a better fit than apt?

While the synonyms fitting and apt are close in meaning, fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

Where would happy be a reasonable alternative to apt?

The words happy and apt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

When would meet be a good substitute for apt?

The meanings of meet and apt largely overlap; however, meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When could proper be used to replace apt?

Although the words proper and apt have much in common, proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

When is it sensible to use suitable instead of apt?

The synonyms suitable and apt are sometimes interchangeable, but suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

Example 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 apt Here, as in many passages, a sensation of huh? is apt to switch to one of duh! Benjamin Kunkel, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 In 2023, King also wrapped a two-season stint as part of the main cast of the Amazon original series With Love — the title for which also doubles as an apt descriptor of King's approach to spreading ANTM's legacy. EW.com, 20 Mar. 2025 The China government's policy response is apt to focus on raising domestic consumption. Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The team even had a memorable – and apt – nickname: The Bad News Bees. Laurence Miedema, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apt
Adjective
  • Are people who are prone to ideology taking in less information?
    Matt Richtel, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Werewolf cats are also prone to some health conditions, including lymphocytic mural folliculitis.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This lightweight and very liquid formula is suitable for all skin types.
    Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Quicklime, on the other hand, is not suitable for use in garden soils due to safety issues.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • One concern voiced by critics is that receiving a basic income could make people less inclined to work.
    Rosa Rahimi, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The legislative branch is ceding more of its power to the executive branch, and the judiciary may not be equipped or inclined to stop it.
    Andrew Tisch, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The LLMs also recommended mental health assessments to these patients approximately six to seven times more often than what the validating physicians deemed appropriate and more than twice as often as the control group.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
  • At the same time, have the appropriate confidence in you and your support circle to deal with whatever life throws your way.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The whispers of slimmer fitting silhouettes have been swirling on the runways: Indie sleaze-leaning skinny jeans at McQueen and Balenciaga, to the more Parisian chic straight leg and cropped trousers of Chanel, while Boss and Marni herald closer fit capris as a perfect springtime piece.
    Paulina Berges, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2025
  • There was something fitting about those four, from three different regions of Canada, serving as the faces of the game and its eras.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • By advocating for proper funding, schools will be able to take innovative approaches to increasing literacy rates, as well as seeing gains in math.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Just cut the tubing to the proper length and wrap it around the cables.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Her straight-leg jeans are a relaxed silhouette—not baggy, but not quite fitted—and her trench coat is kept open and unbelted.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Currently on sale for just $53, this flattering top features a more fitted look that can be styled buttoned to the top or left open as a lightweight in-flight layer.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • President Trump exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to executive the duties of Commander-in-Chief and Head of State.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Define the core values your company stands for and assess candidates not just on culture fit, but on values fit.
    Melanie Hughes, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apt. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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