suitable

adjective

suit·​able ˈsü-tə-bəl 

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

ˌsü-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

suitableness noun

suitably

ˈsü-tə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• able
• capable
• competent
• equal
• fit
• good
• qualified

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

Since then, Trump officials have not answered why the State Department appeared to be taking steps to pursue an acquisition of electric vehicles from Tesla, with the company's stainless steel Cybertruck likely being the most suitable option for an armored vehicle. —Bobby Allyn, NPR, 24 Feb. 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. Follow me on Twitter. —Jj Kinahan, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

Members could share techniques and operate a nursery to produce suitable varieties of coffee plants and shade trees. —Peter S. Goodman, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025

While her towering Dolce & Gabbana boots definitely aren’t suitable for horseback riding or cutting competitions, Bella Hadid will always find a way to honor her inner cowgirl. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for suitable

• computable
• disputable
• immutable
• imputable
• inscrutable
• unsuitable
• executable
• indisputable
• irrefutable
• substitutable
• mutable

Kids Definition

suitable

adjective

suit·​able ˈsüt-ə-bəl 

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

ˌsüt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

suitableness

ˈsüt-ə-bəl-nəs

noun

suitably

-blē 

adverb