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suitable

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective suitable differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of suitable are appropriate, apt, felicitous, fitting, fit, happy, meet, and proper. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

In what contexts can appropriate take the place of suitable?

The meanings of appropriate and suitable largely overlap; however, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

Where would apt be a reasonable alternative to suitable?

The synonyms apt and suitable are sometimes interchangeable, but apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When could felicitous be used to replace suitable?

In some situations, the words felicitous and suitable are roughly equivalent. However, felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

When is fit a more appropriate choice than suitable?

While in some cases nearly identical to suitable, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When would fitting be a good substitute for suitable?

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

a fitting end

When might happy be a better fit than suitable?

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

a happy choice of words

When is it sensible to use meet instead of suitable?

The words meet and suitable can be used in similar contexts, but meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When can proper be used instead of suitable?

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

proper acknowledgement

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 suitability
Adjective
This program is suitable for adults and children 7 and up. Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025 Securities, investment products, other financial products or strategies discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2025 Thermal Cold weather turns off many golfers, but some spring and fall days are still suitable for golf. Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2025 The use of variable intake cam timing could improve performance and efficiency, making the bike suitable for both inexperienced and seasoned riders seeking a hassle-free riding experience. New Atlas, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suitability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitability
Adjective
  • Despite their respective errors, Chae-yeon, Sakamoto, and Glenn have all qualified to compete in Friday’s free skate.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • If you’re set on purchasing anything with potentially faulty wiring, just be prepared to have your secondhand find rewired by a qualified electrician.
    Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 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
  • Forbes Daily: Join over 1 million Forbes Daily subscribers and get our best stories, exclusive reporting and essential analysis of the day’s news in your inbox every weekday.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The city of Providence continues to be good to Pitino, who famously led Providence College to the Final Four in 1987 toward the beginning of his storied career.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 21 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
Noun
  • The key here is relevance—AI ensures the right message reaches the right player at the right time.
    Ying Yang, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Since 2019, for example, China, Iran, and Russia have occasionally conducted joint military exercises in a trilateral format, but these exercises had little strategic relevance.
    Christopher S. Chivvis, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Engels, which is used for launching missile strikes on Ukrainian territory, houses bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The Horned Frogs have a number of candidates that are capable of big performances as the constant battles throughout the Big 12 has allowed the program to build quality depth.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 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
Noun
  • Once a determination is made regarding the validity of any allegations, a report is prepared and cases are referred to outside investigatory agencies, including the Attorney General’s Office and county District Attorney offices.
    Peter D'Abrosca, Fox News, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Last month, Microsoft touted its quantum breakthrough, although some physicists have doubted its validity.
    Emily Forlini, PCMAG, 18 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suitability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitability. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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