Definition of practicablenext
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as in useful
capable of or suitable for being used for a particular purpose that flimsy little saw is not a very practicable tool for cutting heavy tree branches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective practicable differ from other similar words?

The words feasible and possible are common synonyms of practicable. While all three words mean "capable of being realized," practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions.

a solution that is not practicable in the time available

When is feasible a more appropriate choice than practicable?

The words feasible and practicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired.

commercially feasible for mass production

In what contexts can possible take the place of practicable?

Although the words possible and practicable have much in common, possible implies that a thing may certainly exist or occur given the proper conditions.

a possible route up the west face of the mountain

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 practicable An actual, practicable solution will require more research—and more money. Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026 More information will follow when practicable. Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 4 Jan. 2026 This makes county fairs almost like quasi-governmental organizations, said Ahlers of the Anoka County Fair, even though some of the privileges aren’t exactly practicable. Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025 To that end, Democratic congressional leadership has implored their counterparts to start talks as soon as practicable, considering any piece of legislation will require 60 votes in the Senate. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • Historically, the community in Putumayo has been concerned about possible links between paramilitary groups and others connected to oil companies.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 May 2026
  • All ingredients are local and sourced from no further than 13 miles from the hotel, and are organic where possible.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • However, even Nvidia’s Huang has said Moore’s Law is no longer applicable to future chip development.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 25 May 2026
  • Funniest moment of the season Not applicable!
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • That first experience of European competition was a useful learning curve, but the team will have to adapt after reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League in 2023-24 by topping a group of four teams that also contained Marseille, Ajax and AEK Athens.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 29 May 2026
  • Delta Business Traveler’s free program gives freelancers and small business owners access to discounts, travel perks and business offers that are actually useful.
    Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • The journal’s structure attempts to narrow that gap by reducing decisions and keeping attention on the next achievable step rather than the entire mountain ahead.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 28 May 2026
  • The series is intended to not only increase the talent pipeline for drivers, but also to shift the perception of motorsport from macho and male-dominated to inclusive and achievable.
    Danielle McNally, InStyle, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • This Vionic version feels polished enough for the office or dinner reservations, but still practical for airport days thanks to the easy slip-on design and stretchy strap.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026
  • The team is currently collaborating with various organizations to transition this technology into practical, real-world deployment.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • Going tomorrow, everyone’s available.
    Jose de Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Catcher Logan O’Hoppe didn’t challenge, even though the Angels had both of their challenges available.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • The domain of philosophy educates and inspires students to analyze assumptions, find hidden premises, cope with ambiguity, and use their minds to the fullest feasible extent.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • The agency randomly selected properties and then went to sites where residents agreed to testing and where access was feasible.
    Evan Bush, NBC news, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • After finishing her schooling at Exarch Joseph I in Lovech, Karabash earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Veliko Tarnovo in applied linguistics with English and French.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 May 2026
  • Meanwhile, New York’s share of national creative jobs has declined across key industries, including film and television, advertising, music production, performing arts, and applied design.
    Lola W. Brabham, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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