Definition of advisablenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word advisable distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words expedient and politic are common synonyms of advisable. While all three words mean "dictated by practical or prudent motives," advisable applies to what is practical, prudent, or advantageous but lacks the derogatory implication of expedient and politic.

sometimes it's advisable to say nothing

When is expedient a more appropriate choice than advisable?

The words expedient and advisable can be used in similar contexts, but expedient usually implies what is immediately advantageous without regard for ethics or consistent principles.

a politically expedient decision

In what contexts can politic take the place of advisable?

The meanings of politic and advisable largely overlap; however, politic stresses judiciousness and tactical value but usually implies some lack of candor or sincerity.

a politic show of interest

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 advisable The Heat training staff is charged with getting a player back as soon as feasible and advisable. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026 Not everything was advisable in the budget this group shepherded against the wishes of Johnson, who allowed the tax-and-spending plan to become law without his signature. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026 Health researchers as well as lawmakers since then have debated whether such prescribing would be feasible or advisable. Carlos Gershenson, The Conversation, 11 Dec. 2025 Instead, a moderate intake is advisable, particularly given the lack of evidence quantifying specific risk thresholds in otherwise healthy normal weight individuals. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for advisable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for advisable
Adjective
  • One factor was investments in human capital, coupled with prudent economic policies.
    Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • None restore the fundamental connection between prudent choice and personal benefit that would make the system self-correcting.
    Jared Rhoads, STAT, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This is especially true for homes that are move-in ready and in desirable locations.
    Tim Maxwell, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Fennell inherently understood what makes these characters so desirable.
    Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Our colleague Jason Zengerle knew him as a young wise-guy reporter who leaned, maybe, center right.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Numbers-wise, Deadline reported earlier that the ceremony will include 3,500 athletes and more than 1,300 performers, feature 182 original designs, more than 1,400 costumes and 1,500 pairs of shoes, with 110 make-up artists and 70 hair stylists working behind the scenes.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Tuesday night development in the case comes hours after the release of doorbell camera footage of a possible suspect in the disappearance.
    Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Advisable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/advisable. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on advisable

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