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suitable

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adjective

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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 suitability
Adjective
The principality of Monaco is perhaps the least suitable place on the Formula 1 calendar to hold a Grand Prix. ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025 Smith wants to ensure his content is suitable for everyone, especially his younger viewers over on YouTube. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 24 May 2025 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, 19 May 2025 Securities, investment products, other financial products or strategies discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for suitability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitability
Adjective
  • Only seven qualified American League hitters have a lower one.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 25 May 2025
  • Also, qualified service members can transfer up to 36 months or a portion of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a spouse or child.
    Crystal Tate, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The suit seeks compensatory and general damages and special and/or punitive damages, costs associated with filing the lawsuit and other damages deemed appropriate by the court.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
  • If your submission is selected for inclusion in the NPR News Quiz, you will be acknowledged in a list of contributors on NPR's website or otherwise receive appropriate credit, but failure to do so shall not be deemed a breach of your rights.
    Holly J. Morris, NPR, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The win was the fifth in a row for Detroit and 20th in its last 28 games, and raised its division-leading record to 35-21, good for a .655 winning percentage.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • What about clubs leveraged to the sky by private individuals – is that good?
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • That all changed at Allianz Arena, the home of Bayern Munich, one of the titans of Europe, and a fitting stage for PSG’s crowning moment.
    James Robson, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
  • Using the tee fitting wasn’t his most grievous error.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 31 May 2025
  • That guidance similarly discourages blanket exclusions and encourages individualized assessments that consider the nature of the offense, its recency, and its relevance to the job.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • For many, this process leads to an enhanced sense of empowerment—feeling more connected to one’s authentic self, and more capable of navigating life’s challenges.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 1 June 2025
  • China is more capable than any other U.S. adversary.
    Damien Cave, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Cabinet hardware jigs vary slightly in design, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
    Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2025
  • But on March 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation on the proper times.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • Moreover, this objection undermines the validity of your career.
    R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 22 May 2025
  • Resilient Test Intelligence: Test assets maintain validity through UI modernization cycles, preserving institutional knowledge across product iterations.
    Asad Khan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suitability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitability. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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