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appropriate

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective appropriate differ from other similar words?

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

an appropriate gift

In what contexts can apt take the place of appropriate?

In some situations, the words apt and appropriate are roughly equivalent. However, apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When would felicitous be a good substitute for appropriate?

The synonyms felicitous and appropriate are sometimes interchangeable, but felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

When might fit be a better fit than appropriate?

The words fit and appropriate can be used in similar contexts, but fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When could fitting be used to replace appropriate?

Although the words fitting and appropriate have much in common, fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

Where would happy be a reasonable alternative to appropriate?

The meanings of happy and appropriate largely overlap; however, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

When is meet a more appropriate choice than appropriate?

While in some cases nearly identical to appropriate, meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When is it sensible to use proper instead of appropriate?

The words proper and appropriate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

When can suitable be used instead of appropriate?

While the synonyms suitable and appropriate are close in meaning, suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

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 appropriate
Adjective
For years, the BOP applied an individual assessment to determine the appropriate housing for each transgender inmate, taking into account an individual's safety and security as well as compliance with the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 21 Feb. 2025 No matter how appropriate the words are, the communication will feel less like a celebration and more like an inauthentic, low-effort platitude due to the lack of human effort. Andrew Brodsky, TIME, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
Lawsuits argue that the order discriminates against young transgender people, unlawfully withholds funds appropriated by Congress and violates the right of states to regulate the practice of medicine. Francesca Paris, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 Nixon had instructed the government not to spend the full amount of money appropriated by Congress to clean up public water systems in New York City under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for appropriate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appropriate
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit seized 148 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, according to a statement the sheriff's office posted to Facebook.
    Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Police then seized the remaining $1,600, which was returned to the victim after a property hearing Feb. 13.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • According to the Financial Times, the recent heist saw large amounts of Ethereum coins stolen from Bybit's cold wallets, which were believed to be more secure than hot wallets typically used for transactions.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Six days later, the couple lured a man in his 50s to the hotel room to engage in prostitution with Lebron, but after the man handed over the cash and undressed, Lebron threw bleach in his face and the duo beat him for several hours before stealing his phone, wallet and car keys.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The glasses have removable temples that can be swapped out for an elastic band, as well as a rubberized nose pad and anti-grip temple tips to ensure a proper fit.
    Layla Ilchi, WWD, 19 Feb. 2025
  • But Saya gives us a proper introduction with her first full-length record.
    Gabrielle Macafee, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • This was when the government of Robert Mugabe confiscated land in Zimbabwe in a very aggressive way.
    Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Their journey began more than a year ago when they were confiscated from smugglers at the Mexican border after being snatched from the wild, their mothers killed in the process.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • From swiping your glass shower door to running a towel around your sink after washing the dishes, a short clean can prevent grime build-up and keep your surfaces spotless.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025
  • The applicator is just the right size to swipe on a bit of the formula to the undereye or small areas of the face—a little bit atop a blemish or spot goes a long way.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • She’s gotten ready to meet him and stands in front of the mirror, looking both confident and awesome in heels and a nicely fitting red mini dress, her makeup subtle and becoming.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Nieves said the casting is fitting since Guana was a friend of Plenty Clouds'.
    Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Then, almost missing the cue, Belushi stepped forward and grabbed the mic stand.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Brendan Coyle made five 3-pointers and grabbed six rebounds.
    Staff And Wire Reports, Hartford Courant, 16 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Appropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appropriate. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

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