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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 The new legislation will be applicable to transactions occurring on and after July 10. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 The war between Russia and Ukraine is not perfectly analogous to contingencies that the United States may face in the future, and not every lesson in Ukraine is applicable to U.S. military planning, but this war is nonetheless full of instructive technological innovations and breakthroughs. Jon Finer, Foreign Affairs, 7 July 2025 Judge Arun Subramanian said the applicable law didn't allow for Combs' release at this point. arkansasonline.com, 3 July 2025 This same need for healthy dialogue is just as applicable to a different challenge to Southern Baptist cooperation, specifically with how SBC leaders share a shrinking pool of resources. Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for applicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicable
Adjective
  • That’s where the distinction between applied and contextual AI becomes critical.
    ByTheodore Krantz Jr, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • At the time, most basic and applied research was done by the military.
    Paul Bierman, The Conversation, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Following a group of preteens that form a baby-sitting business in their quiet suburb, the series is sweet and deeply relevant to the kids who are watching (even if the sitters still use a landline for the nostalgia).
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • Vera, the buzzy, brilliant and preternaturally observant ten-year-old central to Gary Shteyngart’s sardonic and profoundly relevant new novel, brings a fresh, necessary perspective to our evolving dystopian universe.
    Jane Ciabattari July 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • These ribbons can be steamed, boiled, or even served raw with an appropriate sauce.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 4 July 2025
  • When asked by the judge near the start of Wednesday’s hours-long hearing, attorneys for the parties could not reach an agreement on an appropriate value for the sanctions.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Pixel 9 Pro XL produces great photos that capture outstanding, clear details, and the generative AI app, Pixel Studio, is a fun and useful creative tool.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 12 July 2025
  • There's no doubt that fanny packs are useful travel bags, but they’re not always considered to be the most fashion-forward option.
    Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Moist soil is important; however, areas where moisture accumulates during the winter are not suitable as this will make the tubers rot.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • Each piece has a sturdy coated iron frame that’s rust-resistant and suitable for year-round outdoor exposure, while the chairs are covered in a quick-drying breathable fabric that’s fade- and UV-resistant.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 5 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 Quince Leather Jewelry Box checks all the boxes of the perfect jewelry organizer: spacious, practical, and stylish.
    Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
  • To bridge this growing gap, companies are turning to Artificial Intelligence, not as a buzzword, but as a practical solution.
    Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Many beloved bands and singers who have either retired or passed away continue to make a home on the tally, thanks to popular compilations or, in some select cases, a proper full-length that simply won't go away.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Applicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicable. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on applicable

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