apt

adjective

ˈapt How to pronounce apt (audio)
Definition of aptnext
1
as in prone
having a tendency to be or act in a certain way that dog is apt to run off if you don't put him on a leash

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in suitable
meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation "gingerbread" is certainly an apt description for that house with all the ornate trim

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective apt differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of apt are appropriate, felicitous, fitting, fit, happy, meet, proper, and suitable. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When is appropriate a more appropriate choice than apt?

While in some cases nearly identical to apt, appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

When can felicitous be used instead of apt?

The words felicitous and apt can be used in similar contexts, but felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

In what contexts can fit take the place of apt?

In some situations, the words fit and apt are roughly equivalent. However, fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When might fitting be a better fit than apt?

While the synonyms fitting and apt are close in meaning, fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

Where would happy be a reasonable alternative to apt?

The words happy and apt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

When would meet be a good substitute for apt?

The meanings of meet and apt largely overlap; however, meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When could proper be used to replace apt?

Although the words proper and apt have much in common, proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

When is it sensible to use suitable instead of apt?

The synonyms suitable and apt are sometimes interchangeable, but suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

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 apt What a colorful, descriptive and absolutely apt adjective. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025 This callback to vast mid-century power structures is both ludicrous and oddly apt, considering the Meanses’ pedigree. —Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 May 2025 Heads are a recurrent theme— which feels apt, given Allen’s cerebral nature. —Nina-Sophia Miralles, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 And yes, some plastic surgeons are apt to regale you with tales of their bespoke extended, vertical vector, composite flap, scarless, mystery, reset lift. —Jolene Edgar, Allure, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for apt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apt
  1. prone
  2. suitable
  3. inclined
  4. appropriate
  5. fitting
  6. proper
  7. fitted
  8. fit
Adjective
  • Each had played an iconic housewife, although Molly stood in fascinating contrast with Lucy Ricardo: the former was a fixer, the latter a firecracker, prone to fits of mischievous rage, then spanked into submission by her bandleader husband.
    — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
  • And someone who leaves a job after only a year or two might be especially prone to overlook a modest balance − which, thanks to the magic of tax-free investment growth, eventually turns into a big balance.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Definition of prone
Adjective
  • Housing advocates have cautioned that federal land is not universally suitable for affordable housing.
    — Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
  • Investments in securities entail risk and are not suitable for all investors.
    — Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Definition of suitable
Adjective
  • Clients who use Preqin could be more inclined to tap BlackRock for its other services as well.
    — Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 10 June 2025
  • Meltzer, who has had his own issues with AEW numbers, was inclined to believe AEW adds an additional 500,000 viewers on Max.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Definition of inclined
Adjective
  • The authorities in California and Los Angeles were taking the appropriate actions.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 10 June 2025
  • Measurable: Evaluate reasoning quality by tracking consistency across different scenarios, measuring response accuracy under varying complexity levels, and assessing appropriate uncertainty expression rather than just confidence metrics.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Definition of appropriate
Adjective
  • Whatever happens next, the World Cup is a fitting lens through which to understand Trump’s approach to the world, as a second-term Trump doctrine takes shape.
    — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
  • The opening shot of the episode nods to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper — a fitting visual metaphor for what lies ahead.
    — Buddha Lo, People.com, 13 June 2025
Definition of fitting
Adjective
  • The parliamentarian is the chamber's adviser on its proper rules and procedures.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
  • Sabrina Carpenter has shared her first proper single of 2025.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 6 June 2025
Definition of proper
Adjective
  • This set features two pillow shams, duvet cover, and flat and fitted sheet.
    — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 23 May 2025
  • With Relaxed Suiting and an Eye-Catching Bag A baby blue button up (and an avocado bag) add a touch of whimsy to a fitted suit.
    — Christina Holevas, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
Definition of fitted
Adjective
  • After two years of being virtually guaranteed to start up front every week when fit, Jackson finally has some genuine competition for his place.
    — Simon Johnson, New York Times, 13 June 2025
  • There’s so much to enjoy about this high-waisted bikini, including its adjustable straps for a comfy fit, high-quality fabric that will last through hours of swimming (and washing), and a full lining design for a tummy control effect.
    — Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 13 June 2025
Definition of fit

Browse Nearby Words

apropos of
apt
aptitude
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Cite this Entry

“Apt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apt. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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