1
2

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 suitable The West African country’s hot and humid climate and erratic rains were simply not suitable for it, many thought. Carmen Abd Ali, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025 Together, these guardrails can create enough space for business and the public to better judge the implications of what is actually happening, decide on suitable action, and participate in meaningful elections. Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2025 This lightweight and very liquid formula is suitable for all skin types. Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 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, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitable
Adjective
  • Despite being just as qualified as their male counterparts, women are significantly less likely to compete at work—whether that means applying for executive roles, asking for promotions, or negotiating higher pay.
    Maggie McGrath, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The United States thrives on innovation, diversity, and qualified people to advance its economic engine.
    William Jones, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There is no one right way to teach literacy in a developmentally appropriate, balanced literacy framework.
    K. Dara Hill, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The agency publicly announces the results of operations when appropriate.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Okay, top-10 best movie entrance of all time for Blake Lively.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The forthcoming rain was good news for crews battling a wildfire in central New Jersey that erupted on April 22 and has consumed 12,250 acres.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The idea of fitting coverage around the traveler — instead of the other way around — is gaining traction in the travel insurance business.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • This, too, would be a fitting final chapter for the Heat patriarch.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Cincinnati prioritized Knight, taking him with pick No. 49 in the second round, knowing the importance of adding a player capable of starting immediately.
    Paul Dehner Jr., New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Heading into the draft it was universally understood there were 10 offensive lineman capable of becoming day one starters if their health wasn’t a factor.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Just cut the tubing to the proper length and wrap it around the cables.
    Clint Davis, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • By advocating for proper funding, schools will be able to take innovative approaches to increasing literacy rates, as well as seeing gains in math.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The connected satnav is competent and easy to read, with a capable keyword search function.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • That balance is what so many Black birthing people are seeking: care that is competent and affirming, spiritual and informed.
    Stephanie Long, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Just go a size or two down from your usual for a fitted look.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Granted, unlike regular tees, this one is extra soft and fitted and features fine ribbed detailing on the neckline, hem, and sleeves.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitable. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on suitable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!