applicable

adjective

ap·​pli·​ca·​ble ˈa-pli-kə-bəl 

also

ə-ˈpli-kə- 

: capable of or suitable for being applied : appropriate

statutes applicable to the case

A fee is applicable when a scheduled payment is late.

applicability

ˌa-pli-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

 also  ə-ˌpli-kə-

noun

Synonyms

• actionable
• applicative
• applied
• functional
• practicable
• practical
• serviceable
• ultrapractical
• usable
• useable
• useful
• workable
• working

Choose the Right Synonym for applicable

relevant, germane, material, pertinent, apposite, applicable, apropos mean relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand.

relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.

the rule is not applicable in this case

apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

Examples of applicable in a Sentence

Businesses must comply with all applicable laws.

is that information applicable in this case?

Recent Examples on the Web

This article will explore these common VAT misconceptions, clarify the applicable rules, and provide practical guidance on how businesses can handle such situations effectively while ensuring compliance with EU VAT regulations. —Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

On the contrary, the director judged the book to meet all applicable criteria in the collection development policy, including standards for literary and stylistic quality, attention of critics and reviewers, and cost and availability. —Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 26 Feb. 2025

Architect, Registered - Port Everglades Description: Registered with the Seaport Engineering and Construction Division and responsible for developing applicable scope for building retrofits, re-designs, and new builds for the Port Everglades Department. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025

Wilken will likely consider those questions outside the scope of how the parties have resolved applicable federal antitrust issues. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French applicable, applicquable, borrowed from Medieval Latin applicābilis, from Latin applicāre "to bring into contact (with), apply" + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy (of being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for applicable

• inapplicable

Kids Definition

applicable

adjective

ap·​pli·​ca·​ble ˈap-li-kə-bəl 

also

ə-ˈplik-ə- 

: capable of being put to use or put into practice : appropriate

applicability

ˌap-li-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

 also  ə-ˌplik-ə-

noun