suitability 1 of 2

suitable

2 of 2

adjective

1
2

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective suitable differ from other similar words?

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

clothes suitable for camping

In what contexts can appropriate take the place of suitable?

The meanings of appropriate and suitable largely overlap; however, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

Where would apt be a reasonable alternative to suitable?

The synonyms apt and suitable are sometimes interchangeable, but apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When could felicitous be used to replace suitable?

In some situations, the words felicitous and suitable are roughly equivalent. However, felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

When is fit a more appropriate choice than suitable?

While in some cases nearly identical to suitable, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When would fitting be a good substitute for suitable?

While the synonyms fitting and suitable are close in meaning, fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

When might happy be a better fit than suitable?

The words happy and suitable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

When is it sensible to use meet instead of suitable?

The words meet and suitable can be used in similar contexts, but meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When can proper be used instead of suitable?

Although the words proper and suitable have much in common, proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

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 suitability
Adjective
Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs. Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 18 Dec. 2024 All of our experts say yes; just take a peek at the ingredients to determine which might be suitable for your skin. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024 Securities, investment products, other financial products or strategies discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2024 Some Herbs Lavender, mint, oregano, sage, and other cold tolerant herbs are also suitable for sowing in milk jugs. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for suitability 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitability
Adjective
  • The Newark Land Bank Housing Choice Voucher Conversion Program allows qualified recipients to use their vouchers and down payment assistance to purchase single family homes.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Ensure the qualified individual reports to the board.
    Michelle Drolet, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • What's an appropriate way teachers and adults can be involved? All eligible contest entries must be written, recorded and produced by students.
    Steve Drummond, NPR, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Leaders must assess whether a decision is strategic, tactical, or operational to determine the appropriate level of involvement.
    Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The wireless earbuds offer pretty good sound quality and effective noise cancellation, though not quite as good as the second-gen AirPods Pro.
    Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Both Grande and Erivo scored Golden Globe nominations, with Erivo up for best performance by a female actor in a motion picture, musical or comedy, while Grande is nominated for best supporting actress.
    Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • As temperatures wavered around 30 degrees, Swift wore a fitting fluffy red jacket and black bucket hat over her hair worn down.
    Bryan West, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
  • Beyoncé wore a glittery gold dress by Elie Saab in 2007, a fitting choice given that she was nominated for her role in Dreamgirls.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • When choosing influencers, prioritize relevance and engagement over sheer follower count.
    Deepak Bansal, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Further underscoring the relevance of its eyewear collections, Prada earlier this year extended its long-term partnership with Jake Gyllenhaal for its 2024 Prada Linea Rossa Eyewear campaign, first launched for the brand’s spring 2023 collection.
    Luisa Zargani, WWD, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Bigger challenges coming soon The Jeep Avenger is a pleasant and capable vehicle.
    Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 21 Dec. 2024
  • Or, consider the Greenland shark–the longest living vertebrate known to science, capable of living up to 500 years.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • There are sacrifices that have to be made in this life that lead to a sort of ebbing and flowing that’s integral to the proper running of things, like a stream.
    Daisy Jones, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2024
  • Here’s how can Hoosiers help bats at home Installing bat boxes can help provide emergency shelters for bats that might need them when proper roosts are unavailable.
    Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • These rumors got more validity following Dbrand's unveiling of the Killswitch 2 case.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Scientific rigor questioned: The defense team has challenged the validity of his findings, citing the absence of standardized procedures and documentation.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near suitability

Cite this Entry

“Suitability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitability. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on suitability

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!