suitable

adjective

suit·​able ˈsü-tə-bəl How to pronounce suitable (audio)
1
a
: adapted to a use or purpose
suitable for kitchen use
b
: satisfying propriety : proper
suitable dress
c
: able, qualified
a suitable candidate for the job
2
obsolete : similar, matching
suitability noun
suitableness noun
suitably adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for suitable

fit, suitable, meet, proper, appropriate, fitting, apt, happy, felicitous mean right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance.

fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

Examples of suitable in a Sentence

The dress was a suitable choice. We upgraded the computer to make it suitable to our needs.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Democrats gave lengthy speeches lasting 30 hours outlining why Vought is not suitable for the role in an attempt to hinder the confirmation process. Ewan Palmer, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 Most highball glasses are not suitable for hot drinks. Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2025 Securities, investment products, other financial products or strategies discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2025 Sheriff’s deputies had confiscated his medication and failed to provide a suitable alternative, his civil lawsuit said. Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for suitable 

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of suitable was in 1563

Dictionary Entries Near suitable

Cite this Entry

“Suitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suitable. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

suitable

adjective
suit·​able ˈsüt-ə-bəl How to pronounce suitable (audio)
1
: adapted to a use or purpose
food suitable for human consumption
2
: being fit or right for a use or group
clothes suitable to the occasion
a movie suitable for children
3
: qualified sense 1, capable
looking for a suitable replacement
suitability noun
suitableness
ˈsüt-ə-bəl-nəs
noun
suitably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on suitable

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