applicable

1 of 2

adjective

ap·​pli·​ca·​ble ˈa-pli-kə-bəl How to pronounce applicable (audio)
also
ə-ˈpli-kə- How to pronounce applicable (audio)
Synonyms of applicable
: capable of or suitable for being applied : appropriate
statutes applicable to the case
A fee is applicable when a scheduled payment is late.
applicability
ˌa-pli-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce applicable (audio)
also ə-ˌpli-kə-
noun

applicability

2 of 2

noun

ap·​pli·​ca·​bil·​i·​ty ˌa-pli-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē also ə-ˌpli-kə- How to pronounce applicability (audio)
plural -es
: the quality or state of being applicable
Choose the Right Synonym for applicable

relevant, germane, material, pertinent, apposite, applicable, apropos mean relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand.

relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

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

apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

Examples of applicable in a Sentence

Adjective Businesses must comply with all applicable laws. is that information applicable in this case?
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
At first glance, this theory may seem most applicable to tribes, kingdoms, or nations. Judah Taub, semafor.com, 11 June 2026 In late May, an attorney representing Verrus submitted a Final Site Plan response letter arguing the project meets all applicable Planning Commission conditions, township codes, and zoning ordinances. Heath Kalb, CBS News, 9 June 2026 Winner is responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes, if any, as well as any other costs and expenses associated with Prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided. AJC.com, 8 June 2026 Customer is still responsible for applicable taxes. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for applicable

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Middle French applicable, applicquable, borrowed from Medieval Latin applicābilis, from Latin applicāre "to bring into contact (with), apply" + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy (of being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

Adjective

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of applicable was in 1548

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Applicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/applicable. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

applicable

adjective
ap·​pli·​ca·​ble ˈap-li-kə-bəl How to pronounce applicable (audio)
also
ə-ˈplik-ə- How to pronounce applicable (audio)
: capable of being put to use or put into practice : appropriate
applicability
ˌap-li-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce applicable (audio)
also ə-ˌplik-ə-
noun

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