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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

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 suitable But Choudri notes that all environmental reviews for the Los Angeles to San Francisco run are in hand and a rail system suitable for high speed operations already exists between San Francisco and San Jose. Thomas D. Elias, Oc Register, 24 Oct. 2025 Singh says the mercury telluride device’s development represents a step toward on-chip THz sources—a prerequisite for miniaturizing today’s bulky tabletop systems into components suitable for consumer or data-center use. Meghie Rodrigues, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Oct. 2025 My feeling is that the King will find suitable accommodation and the whole deal will be kept secret. Christina Dugan Ramirez , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025 Few of Taiwan’s beaches are suitable for a landing, and these could be well-defended. Charlie Campbell, Time, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitable
Adjective
  • The team could be evaluating any number of qualified candidates, but one future Hall of Fame player is generating the most buzz.
    Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Many qualified workers will choose to move offshore and work from there to avoid the visa fee.
    Ben Zweig, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
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
Adjective
  • Non-perishable items or foods that last a long time in the fridge can be good options.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The baby, who initially made good progress after the surgery, died 20 days later.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 26 Oct. 2025
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
Adjective
  • One arrangement could support powerful quantum computers capable of solving problems beyond the reach of today’s machines.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Melissa is expected to unleash extreme winds exceeding 160 mph, a storm surge of 9 to 13 feet, and torrential rainfall capable of triggering catastrophic flooding and landslides.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
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
Adjective
  • For the first time since general manager Joe Cronin began tearing down a playoff roster five years ago, the team is competent.
    Jason Quick, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • This was the first game since Joe Burrow went down with an injury during the second game of the year that the Bengals’ offense looked competent once again.
    Jon Conahan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
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

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on suitable

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