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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 suitable The American Kennel Club says the most suitable breeds for guarding duties include most shepherd dogs, Rottweilers, mastiffs and Staffordshire bull terriers among others. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 That makes for modest performance suitable for a phone running basic apps, in a package that's easy to grip and use. New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2024 This method is suitable for managing inversion in both breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding people. Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 2 Nov. 2024 Other over-the-counter medications may be helpful to deal with the symptoms as well but talk with your healthcare provider about which options are suitable for you. Kristina Herndon, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for suitable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitable
Adjective
  • Harris, Rasmussen said, was not qualified to be president.
    Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Another tense moment between Grace and Kate about whether or not Kate is qualified to be VP is interrupted by Hal’s call and the return of the score.
    Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Returning to school as quickly as possible, with appropriate support, and getting light exercise that doesn’t pose a head injury risk are important first steps in concussion recovery, and in line with the latest research.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • But while the 118 is able to save both Celeste and her mother-in-law’s final resting place, a smug Trent trips and drops the vase, an appropriate punchline to a very silly cold open.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • They are gone, presumably for good, a full 21 months before the end of Lo’s two-year lease.
    Suzanne Seggerman, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Small Pockets of Cover Similarly, other small pockets of cover can be good, too.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In fitting form for the satirical website, The Onion’s news release announcing the sale was written in the voice of a CEO of Global Tetrahedron, a fictional evil company created by Onion staff.
    Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • That grace is a fitting conclusion to her season-long arc.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • People who are elderly, sick, or disabled may not be capable of flight.
    Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024
  • The dedicated graphics card is capable of 1080p gaming at medium settings just as long as the title isn’t too demanding and will help with any graphic design tasks.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This length was all added ahead of the windshield, giving the Vanquish the bold proportions of a proper dream car.
    Dan Carney, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Also helpful is the kind of peer pressure among veterans who lead by example in terms of getting the proper amount of rest and recovery.
    Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Chevrolet has given consumers the opportunity to purchase a competent, long-range EV with no frills at an unbeatable price, with cash-on-the-hood from Uncle Sam sweetening the pot ever further.
    Peter Douglas, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Toyota's Land Cruiser 250 was released a year ago and was already enjoyable, daring, and off-road competent.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Try slouchy or slim-fit designs tucked under midi hemlines, from skirts to dresses, and wider shafts with fitted or straight-leg jeans tucked in.
    Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2024
  • Play with proportion by pairing it with a fitted miniskirt, or give it a baggy-on-baggy look with wide-leg jeans.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near suitable

Cite this Entry

“Suitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitable. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on suitable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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