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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 suitable The principality of Monaco is perhaps the least suitable place on the Formula 1 calendar to hold a Grand Prix. ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025 Smith wants to ensure his content is suitable for everyone, especially his younger viewers over on YouTube. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 24 May 2025 This content is not, nor is intended to be, trading or investment advice or a recommendation that any investment product or strategy is suitable for any person. Jj Kinahan, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 Securities, investment products, other financial products or strategies discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for suitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitable
Adjective
  • Only seven qualified American League hitters have a lower one.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 25 May 2025
  • Also, qualified service members can transfer up to 36 months or a portion of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child.
    Crystal Tate, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • If your submission is selected for inclusion in the NPR News Quiz, you will be acknowledged in a list of contributors on NPR's website or otherwise receive appropriate credit, but failure to do so shall not be deemed a breach of your rights.
    Holly J. Morris, NPR, 30 May 2025
  • The suit seeks compensatory and general damages and special and/or punitive damages, costs associated with filing the lawsuit and other damages deemed appropriate by the court.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The win was the fifth in a row for Detroit and 20th in its last 28 games, and raised its division-leading record to 35-21, good for a .655 winning percentage.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • Newcomer Davante Adams, 32, and Puka Nacua, 25, will complement one another, giving the Rams their best veteran tandem at receiver since Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. fueled the Super Bowl-winning offense.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • The back-and-forth nature of this series almost makes a Game 7 a deserving, fitting end to this matchup.
    Kelly Iko, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • So what could be more fitting than renaming it for Donald Trump?
    Joe Mathews, Mercury News, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Stress, when left unmanaged, causes even capable professionals to respond impulsively, misinterpret feedback, or withdraw from collaboration, undermining their credibility and advancement opportunities.
    Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Cruise, who is a pilot capable of flying everything from planes to helicopters, was thrilled by the idea.
    Michael Nied, People.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • But on March 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation on the proper times.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
  • Cabinet hardware jigs vary slightly in design, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • According to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, workers consider businesses to be twice as competent as the U.S. government in providing credible information—outpacing nonprofits and the media as well.
    Dr. Mandy Cohen, Time, 27 May 2025
  • This human element distinguishes truly effective leaders from those who settle for being competent specialists.
    Dennis Kozak, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • This set features two pillow shams, duvet cover, and flat and fitted sheet.
    Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 23 May 2025
  • With Relaxed Suiting and an Eye-Catching Bag A baby blue button up (and an avocado bag) add a touch of whimsy to a fitted suit.
    Christina Holevas, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitable. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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