applicable

adjective

ˈa-pli-kə-bəl How to pronounce applicable (audio)
Definition of applicablenext
1
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
2
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
3
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 Following Scary Injury Other DraftKings Boosts and Bonuses Along with the bet $5, get $150 bonus for Thursday games applicable across NBA, NHL and college basketball, DraftKings Sportsbook has a number of other offers that are currently available to all users. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 This recent state law, applicable only to DDC, limits our options. —Thomas Foley, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2025 Note that the prices below are based on the manufacturer’s list price and reflective of the queen size where applicable. —Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 10 Mar. 2025 On Friday, the agency clarified that the survey was only applicable to CDC partners doing work outside the United States. —Sony Salzman, ABC News, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for applicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicable
  1. applied
  2. relevant
  3. appropriate
  4. useful
  5. suitable
  6. fitting
  7. practical
  8. proper
Adjective
  • While a regional court in Cologne initially recognized four of Birkenstock’s shoe models as works of applied art and granted the company’s orders in 2017, a higher regional court in the city later overturned the orders on appeal in 2022.
    — Karen K. Ho, ARTnews.com, 21 Feb. 2025
  • In 1994, the applied mathematician Peter Shor was inspired by a recent oracle result to develop a fast quantum algorithm for factoring large numbers—a task whose apparent difficulty underlies the cryptographic systems that keep our online data secure.
    — Ben Brubaker, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2025
Definition of applied
Adjective
  • The key questions to ask are: • Is this directly relevant to our business or customers?
    — Starr Million Baker, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The notes addressed such issues as peer pressure, bullying, racial tensions, academic underachievement and conflicts between students and teachers — topics that remain relevant today, especially in our social media age.
    — Carl Kurlander, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of relevant
Adjective
  • The Board believes that this governance structure, combined with the risk assessment obligations placed on its subsidiaries related to the use of Artificial Intelligence, provide an appropriate level of oversight at this time and an independent Artificial Intelligence committee is not needed.
    — Bob Zukis, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Routine blood work minimizes the chance of nutrient deficiencies and allows for appropriate adjustments to your supplement routine.4 Limit Alcohol The body absorbs alcohol more quickly after bariatric surgery.
    — Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of appropriate
Adjective
  • Acupuncture may be a safe, useful tool for both chronic pain management in the general population and for fighting insomnia among people in perimenopause.
    — Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Trump sees tariffs as a useful tool of American economic power.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of useful
Adjective
  • 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, 7 Mar. 2025
  • This option is suitable for individuals who enjoy the feel of memory foam but are concerned about overheating.
    — Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of suitable
Adjective
  • One that lingers, as intended, across the eight subsequent episodes, and gives the final season a fitting framework as a message of hope for the hopeless.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Mar. 2025
  • In a way, Rilke’s meditation on dolls might be a fitting analogy for an artist’s experience with her materials.
    — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of fitting
Adjective
  • What started as a practical swap in immigrant communities became a beloved holiday meal—one that still brings people together, even as its form continues to change.
    — Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Here's some step-by-step, practical advice about how to keep your toaster oven clean— and advice on how to clean it when all seems lost.
    — Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of practical
Adjective
  • The roundup includes proper studio full-lengths, live recordings, and greatest hits compilations.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Bulbs that aren't provided with the proper conditions are unlikely to produce flowers.
    — Lauren David, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of proper

Browse Nearby Words

applicable
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Cite this Entry

“Applicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicable. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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