apt

adjective

ˈapt How to pronounce apt (audio)
Definition of aptnext
1
as in prone
having a tendency to be or act in a certain way that dog is apt to run off if you don't put him on a leash

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in suitable
meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation "gingerbread" is certainly an apt description for that house with all the ornate trim

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The timing proved apt for a show that both celebrates and critiques the great American experiment set forth by the Founding Fathers. —Antonio Ferme, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025 In an extended first act, Keyshawn gets into circular arguments with Niecy and Lewis, which is apt for a family stuck in toxic cycles but repetitive to watch. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025 Smaller implants are also lighter, more comfortable, and less apt to stretch, strain, and deform the tissues over time. —Jolene Edgar, Allure, 15 Oct. 2025 And the script is just apt for that. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apt
  1. prone
  2. suitable
  3. inclined
  4. appropriate
  5. fitting
  6. proper
  7. fitted
  8. fit
Adjective
  • Ergofoot Orthopedic Slippers For those on my holiday list who have more sensitive and pain-prone feet, this orthopedic pair stands out from the crowd.
    — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of prone
Adjective
  • This breakthrough could lead to the development of more reliable, next-generation sensors suitable for applications ranging from medical monitoring to energy storage systems.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Less suitable is the club’s goalkeeping.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of suitable
Adjective
  • That makes the German more inclined to start with Welbeck, as Rutter is the only alternative.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Marginson says that while many students and faculty have opposed the compact, university presidents and boards may be more inclined to accept.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 14 Oct. 2025
Definition of inclined
Adjective
  • The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
    — JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Many times, the needs of the homeless are not just heating or cooling, but there may be medical/dental issues, food or appropriate clothing needs as well.
    — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of appropriate
Adjective
  • Town got legislation passed for veteran housing Carney said the location for the homes is fitting.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The ceremony’s focus on Berlanti’s contributions to the YA space was a fitting emphasis for the Summit, which comes in the wake of the Center for Scholars and Storytellers’ annual Teens and Screens report.
    — Andrew McGowan, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of fitting
Adjective
  • When using hydrogen peroxide, wear protective gloves and eyewear to avoid irritation, ensure proper ventilation, and never mix it with bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaning agents.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Some of these technologies are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of the service or website and cannot be disabled, while others are optional but serve to enhance the user experience in various ways.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of proper
Adjective
  • Not only is the warm color palette perfect for the upcoming season, but the flowy, breathable drape of the skirt, paired with a fitted bodice, is the ideal style for layering.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The fitted black gown features oversize gemstones and a plunging neckline, pockets and just enough of a train to add a little drama to an already daring ensemble.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
Definition of fitted
Adjective
  • Some of the highlights of the collection are the super heavyweight sweatshirts and joggers (650g) designed to hold shape wear after wear; a heavyweight jersey (300g) with an oversized, roomy fit; and an interlock jersey (300g) with a polished finish.
    — Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
  • These stake-pushing devices fit on top of a tent stake (there are loads of designs to fit different shapes and sizes) to protect your hand or shoe while driving the stake, or provide a flat surface upon which to hammer.
    — Zoe Gates, Outside, 28 Oct. 2025
Definition of fit

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apropos of
apt
aptitude
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Cite this Entry

“Apt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apt. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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