APPLICABLE Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

applicable

adjective

ˈa-pli-kə-bəl

Definition of applicable next

as in applied

capable of being put to use or account is that information applicable in this case?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relevant

having to do with the matter at hand that comment isn't applicable to our discussion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in appropriate

meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation a knack for selecting the most applicable word

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Working smarter, not harder, is very much applicable to household cleaning. —

Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 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, 6 Mar. 2026 Yet more than 40 years later, its wisdom on the mental side of running remains surprisingly durable and malleable, applicable to almost any life practice. —

Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026 The latter will be applicable to local AI, machine learning, and Apple Intelligence workloads. —

Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applicable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicable

Adjective

Scott received her master's in leadership from Belhaven University and has a bachelor's in applied psychology from Christian Brothers University.

— Lucas Finton, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 2 Mar. 2026
The system responded within milliseconds, fast enough to support real-time reactions such as pulling away from harmful contact or reducing applied force during interaction.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026

Definition of applied

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applicability

applicable

applicant

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“Applicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicable. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 15 Mar 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of applicable

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