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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 Spanish tax breaks hiked at the beginning of 2023, make the financials practicable. John Hopewell, Variety, 27 Nov. 2024 These must be located as close to the site of the current ones as is reasonably practicable. Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 16 Aug. 2024 The ultimate point here is not that all competition concerns about Google are necessarily groundless but that restrained enforcement of antitrust law, and Google’s concern about its reputation, are already driving the company to address legitimate concerns with practicable solutions. Berin Szoka, Foreign Affairs, 20 June 2012 In Dutch - State/Federal Clinicians must adjudicate claims and remit patient credit balances as soon as practicable. Jeff Gorke, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for practicable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • Costco, Aldi, Walmart and Whole Foods did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment regarding possible egg limits for customers.
    Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The unions further contend that the offer fails to consider possible adverse consequences to the government's ability to function; sets an arbitrarily short deadline; and is pretext for removing and replacing workers on an ideological basis, among other things.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • According to the team, the fluid dynamics involved in periodic cooking may be applicable in other materials research projects.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Panama says the toll rates, which are calculated using a universally applicable formula, are being applied fairly to all ships, regardless of nationality.
    Nate Iglehart, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • See our Tips and Tricks for more useful information on Connections.
    New York Times Games, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
  • However, with a little creativity, they can be transformed into something far more useful than an extra bag in the garbage.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • These exercises can involve bodyweight movements, resistance bands, free weights, or stability equipment to challenge your muscles in a dynamic and practical way.
    Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Social organizations helping trans people tend to focus more on these very practical issues, like helping people find work.
    The Dial, The Dial, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • According to the Westminster Kennel Club, breed coverage, masters obedience and demonstration ring coverage will be available to watch on demand on westminsterkennelclub.org. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • This direct download method is currently only available for Android users as Apple's iOS platform does not permit sideloading, leaving iPhone users to access TikTok solely through web browsers until it is reinstated on the App Store.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Read more › Defense Executive order Ordered development of a missile defense system like Israel’s Experts immediately raised questions about whether an Iron Dome-style system was feasible for the United States, which is more than 400 times the size of Israel.
    Karen Yourish, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2025
  • The way back: Before the 2016-17 season, Kevin Durant agreed to join the Warriors to team with Curry, Green and Klay Thompson, a signing that was financially feasible because of a once-in-a-generation cap spike.
    Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And, in the interplay of pure and applied math, here the practical, real-world need is motivating new mathematics?
    Siobhan Roberts, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
  • In 1994, the applied mathematician Peter Shor was inspired by a recent oracle result (opens a new tab) 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, Quanta Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near practicable

Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

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