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as in useful
capable of or suitable for being used for a particular purpose that flimsy little saw is not a very practicable tool for cutting heavy tree branches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective practicable differ from other similar words?

The words feasible and possible are common synonyms of practicable. While all three words mean "capable of being realized," practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions.

a solution that is not practicable in the time available

When is feasible a more appropriate choice than practicable?

The words feasible and practicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired.

commercially feasible for mass production

In what contexts can possible take the place of practicable?

Although the words possible and practicable have much in common, possible implies that a thing may certainly exist or occur given the proper conditions.

a possible route up the west face of the mountain

Examples 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 practicable These must be located as close to the site of the current ones as is reasonably practicable. Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 16 Aug. 2024 The ultimate point here is not that all competition concerns about Google are necessarily groundless but that restrained enforcement of antitrust law, and Google’s concern about its reputation, are already driving the company to address legitimate concerns with practicable solutions. Berin Szoka, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2012 In Dutch - State/Federal Clinicians must adjudicate claims and remit patient credit balances as soon as practicable. Jeff Gorke, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 To become a globally practicable system, the flexibility of the startup’s model doesn’t fix all nations into the same scoring method; different countries can emphasize attributes relevant to their region. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for practicable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • Sources familiar with the probe say SEC investigators are looking at what Ruiz’s company represented to investors about its value and other possible securities violations.
    Ben Wieder and, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Implement security measures: Protect the recordings by saving them in a secure location and utilizing encryption where possible.
    Jason Foodman, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Sponsor reserves the right to change, alter, or amend these Official Rules as necessary, in its sole determination, to ensure the fair administration of the Contest or to comply with applicable law.
    USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025
  • There’s knowledge from that experience and insight gained through Reid that would be valuable and applicable to the Bears’ efforts to develop Williams.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Without data, the AI isn’t going to be doing much of anything useful.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The sector sold off last week after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang suggested that useful quantum computers are decades away.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • While a necessary starting point, working with dogs wasn’t a great long-term solution due to practical and moral concerns.
    Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 15 Jan. 2025
  • According to The Knot, etiquette guides suggest balancing practical and emotional considerations.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Here are a few programs that will remain available for borrowers seeking student loan forgiveness.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Horseback riding, wagon or carriage rides, fishing, bike rentals, archery, and the long-running Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue dinner show are available for a fee.
    Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Yeah, sorry, this doesn’t sound feasible in the slightest.
    Carl Anka, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
  • While Eilish encourages fans to take public transit, in a city like L.A., that isn’t always feasible.
    Julia MacCary, Variety, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Matt Kessler, an applied linguist at the University of South Florida who has researched Duolingo’s efficacy, the app is giving you a beginner’s guide, and not much more.
    Imogen West-Knights, The Dial, 21 Nov. 2024
  • An applied micro-economist, Bertrand conducts research in the fields of labor economics, corporate finance, political economy and development economics.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near practicable

Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on practicable

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