Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective apt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of apt are appropriate, felicitous, fitting, fit, happy, meet, proper, and suitable. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When is appropriate a more appropriate choice than apt?

While in some cases nearly identical to apt, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

When can felicitous be used instead of apt?

The words felicitous and apt can be used in similar contexts, but felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

In what contexts can fit take the place of apt?

In some situations, the words fit and apt are roughly equivalent. However, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When might fitting be a better fit than apt?

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

a fitting end

Where would happy be a reasonable alternative to apt?

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

a happy choice of words

When would meet be a good substitute for apt?

The meanings of meet and apt largely overlap; however, meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When could proper be used to replace apt?

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

proper acknowledgement

When is it sensible to use suitable instead of apt?

The synonyms suitable and apt are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 apt What’s more, consumers are most apt to blame carriers when their expectations of an e-commerce experience aren’t met. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025 An apt word to describe Vonnegut’s state of mind in those years would be desperate. Noah Hawley, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025 Exploring childhood fantasy right now is also apt, as the designer just had her second child in March, and another who is 2. Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 The prize’s presenter Montblanc is apt, given the luxury company’s handle on the writing culture and the fact that Wolfe wrote much of his work with Montblanc’s Meisterstück pen. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for apt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apt
Adjective
  • Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT Updated July 12, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 July 2025
  • The discovered manipulation techniques are a reminder of the fact that every system is prone to be gamed; that the very strength of the system – ie.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
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.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Eco-stones made from recycled materials require less water and energy than pumice and are suitable for high-capacity batch processing.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • But the Padres seem more inclined to add to that strength than deal from it.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
  • Pence, however, isn't inclined to throw rocks or to vilify his political opponents.
    Jim Martin, IndyStar, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Bad guests consider every horizontal surface to be an appropriate trash receptacle.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • In theory, the maps enable homeowners, businesses and local officials to understand their flood risk and take appropriate steps to prepare and mitigate potential losses.
    Jeremy Porter, CBS News, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Maybe Bernie Ecclestone was right about fitting racetracks with sprinklers.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2025
  • The Fourth of July is all about celebrating freedom — and really, what’s more fitting than free stuff?
    Julia Gomez, Austin American Statesman, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • The first episode of Season 7 of Peacock's popular reality dating series premiered on June 3 and since then, the remaining cast members have not had access to their personal phones, a proper clock, social media, or television.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 13 July 2025
  • For proper perspective, compare that to 2025 Songwriting Hall of Fame inductee Ashley Gorley's 83 No. 1 hits over 20 years.
    Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • The fitted bodice incorporated a corset-like structure, with a bevy of oceanic inspiration throughout and seashells aplenty.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 June 2025
  • Pair a fitted fringe skirt with a zebra print crop top, sunglasses, and a cowboy hat for a fun and flirty look.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • So having Bob Dylan come on, and actually play music, fit into all of the unique specialness that was our show.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 7 July 2025
  • With a relaxed, slouchy fit that’s incredibly comfortable to wear, these baggy wide-leg pants are perfect for long travel days.
    Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apt. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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