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 The latter comparison feels apt given that Robert Pattinson based the voice of the titular Mickey 17 character in part on Stimpy, the cat from the Ren & Stimpy cartoon. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025 The more apt comparison to Patel in FBI history lies with Hoover’s immediate predecessor, William J. Burns, who served as director from 1921 through 1924. Douglas M. Charles, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025 Guinea fowl, small birds that can take down predators while working in groups, become an apt metaphor for the way the women bond together, as well as a haunting visual motif. Esther Zuckerman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025 Current circumstances play into this too: those most concerned about affording food today are also more apt to think things are getting worse. Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apt
Adjective
  • Central Myanmar, where large plates of the Earth’s crust are in motion, is prone to powerful earthquakes.
    Lynsey Chutel, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • What started out as foam pads sewn into the shape of a mattress made sense 30 years ago, when even the largest yachts were much smaller and prone to the occasional wave over the side.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s because the duo has found much more suitable habitat for the animals than had been previously documented.
    ByRefael Kubersky, science.org, 20 Mar. 2025
  • While sisal rugs are typically suitable outdoors, this particular one is recommended for indoor use only.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Where government bureaucrats seem increasingly inclined to simply ignore the law, particularly in the agencies overseen by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
  • When not at work, Kate looks after Mac, who’s recovering from a motorbike accident and is inclined to spend his days sitting in his recliner.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Zeb Scoville and Emily what would be the appropriate tagline to put on this and immediately everybody said, 'Tough and Competent.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Try to consult with the appropriate professionals if needed.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This feels fitting for a company that aims to make people roll around with raucous laughter.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Even more fitting is the sustainable aspect of the collection, which draws awareness to dwindling marine life.
    Violet Goldstone, WWD, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • However, a movie can’t be a hit at the international box office without a proper theatrical release internationally.
    Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Without proper staffing, students will be underserved and left without the accommodations they are legally entitled to receive.
    Melanie L. Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 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
  • Many people assume that slow, steady cardio — like jogging or brisk walking — is the best way to stay fit.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Where does Assassin's Creed Shadows fit in the timeline?
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apt. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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