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Synonym Chooser

How is the word applicable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of applicable are apposite, apropos, germane, material, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.

the rule is not applicable in this case

When is apposite a more appropriate choice than applicable?

The meanings of apposite and applicable largely overlap; however, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

When would apropos be a good substitute for applicable?

While in some cases nearly identical to applicable, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

In what contexts can germane take the place of applicable?

In some situations, the words germane and applicable are roughly equivalent. However, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When might material be a better fit than applicable?

Although the words material and applicable have much in common, material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When can pertinent be used instead of applicable?

The synonyms pertinent and applicable are sometimes interchangeable, but pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

When is it sensible to use relevant instead of applicable?

The words relevant and applicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

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 applicable Claim periods vary by jurisdiction so people should check with the lottery in the state where the ticket was purchased to determine the applicable claim period for that ticket. Medora Lee, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 Taxes and applicable fees are charged separately when booking, and the pass doesn't include checked bags or seat assignments, which can be purchased separately. Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025 The farm worked with Ducks Unlimited for a different conservation easement applicable to its rice fields, and was an early adopter of post-harvest flood practices to decompose rice straw left over from harvest. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025 The policy is applicable to a number of NFL owners. Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for applicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicable
Adjective
  • This approach gives immediate context for applied intelligence and, when implemented correctly, avoids the static and siloed data environments that hinder customer experience initiatives.
    Bill Waid, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Among them were Shawn Ligocki and his father, Terry, an applied mathematician who ran their search program in the off hours on powerful computers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
    Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Provide your full legal name, date of birth and other relevant account info to confirm your identity.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Each captured a way of thinking about venture investing that was practical, deeply personal, and relevant to how family offices are reshaping their role in the ecosystem.
    Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This sweater tank top is appropriate for fall’s crisp weather yet ideal for a warmer day spent outside.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Mop-up and patrol will continue where appropriate to secure and strengthen containment.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For some patients, other tools—like a coronary calcium scan, which can directly show whether there’s silent plaque in the arteries—may be more useful.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 9 Sep. 2025
  • One of the most useful skills in a leader’s tool belt is the ability to recognize potential disagreement and surface concerns.
    Lindsay Phillips, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Questions over the midfielder being a suitable captain arose when his form dipped in the 2024-25 season.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This long-sleeve dress is suitable for multiple occasions and easy to style.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That bout was promoted as his return to the ring after a 19-year retirement and was widely regarded as a fitting sendoff.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Sinzer, as well wine director Ellis Srubas-Giammanco, also just snagged Michelin’s 2024 New York Sommelier award, making Stars a fitting step on their wine journey.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Its early pilots include placing a humanoid in a car factory to fetch and carry parts, hinting at a practical path into routine industrial tasks.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Below, Forbes Human Resources Council members share practical strategies middle managers can use to strengthen relationships and create a more positive workplace culture.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There is a duty of care not to use data for the sake of it, but rather to ensure that analysis stands up to proper scrutiny and scientific rigour where possible.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Leaving clean laundry in the dryer or hamper only puts off a chore until later, keeps clean clothes from its proper place, and also risks wrinkles or someone accidentally mistaking it for dirty laundry instead.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Applicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicable. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on applicable

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