1
2
3
as in useful
capable of or suitable for being used for a particular purpose that flimsy little saw is not a very practicable tool for cutting heavy tree branches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective practicable differ from other similar words?

The words feasible and possible are common synonyms of practicable. While all three words mean "capable of being realized," practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions.

a solution that is not practicable in the time available

When is feasible a more appropriate choice than practicable?

The words feasible and practicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired.

commercially feasible for mass production

In what contexts can possible take the place of practicable?

Although the words possible and practicable have much in common, possible implies that a thing may certainly exist or occur given the proper conditions.

a possible route up the west face of the mountain

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 practicable In Dutch - State/Federal Clinicians must adjudicate claims and remit patient credit balances as soon as practicable. Jeff Gorke, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 If regulation to stop polluting activity is not practicable, government rather should subsidize activities that mitigate harms. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 30 Mar. 2025 Penguin Random House Canada provides the Information in an accessible format or with appropriate Communication Supports, as soon as practicable, upon request. Hazlitt, 4 Jan. 2025 Spanish tax breaks hiked at the beginning of 2023, make the financials practicable. John Hopewell, Variety, 27 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • Anything that is possible to make international cinema more accessible is necessary and welcome.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 17 May 2025
  • And Cannes — for all its flaws, its chaos, its maddening logistics — remains the one place each year where that future still feels genuinely possible.
    Martin Moszkowicz, Deadline, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Broadcasters who distribute over-air content are accustomed to a one-size-fits-all approach for television, and this uniformity is not applicable with second screens.
    Vinayak S, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • By identifying areas of need for productions, the goal is to then re-train people with applicable experience to transition their skillset into the entertainment industry.
    Zoe Hewitt, Variety, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The original system has evolved significantly since its introduction, with specialized needles now available including the Fast Pour, which is especially useful at restaurants, and Vintage needles designed for older corks.
    Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • By David Kessler Ever since the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk realized that GLP-1 drugs were useful for more than diabetes, doctors and researchers have struggled to answer a deceptively simple question: Who should be taking them?
    David Kessler, The Atlantic, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • States warn there could be 'unprecedented chaos' Jeremy Feigenbaum, a lawyer representing the states challenging Trump's policy, stressed the practical problems of not having a national standard for citizenship while the executive order is being litigated.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • For a super-yacht, the vibe was surprisingly casual aboard—think practical expedition wear during the day and casual evening attire like wrap skirts and linen shirts at night.
    Jennifer Flowers, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Toy Association, which has more than 900 members, is urging the U.S. government to grant a reprieve from tariffs on toys imported from China to make sure toys available for the holiday season.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 20 May 2025
  • Trapped: What Is Happening to Wendy Williams? is available to stream on Max.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Fortunately, more reasoned minds, notably George Washington realized that such aspirations were not feasible.
    John Baldoni, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • By the 1980s, oil production had become less feasible and, in 2011, the Petroleum Club shut its doors but, in the meantime, institutional wealth from oil was being reinvested in the decaying city to help revivify it.
    Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Jiang, an assistant professor at SIPS, is an applied roboticist with a special focus on image processing and artificial intelligence (AI).
    Hope Hodge Seck, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Goals workshop: The American Association of University Women Poway/PQ branch will host Vicki Halsey, vice president of applied learning with the Ken Blanchard Companies.
    Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on practicable

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!