suitability 1 of 2

suitable

2 of 2

adjective

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

Examples 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 suitability
Adjective
The American Kennel Club says the most suitable breeds for guarding duties include most shepherd dogs, Rottweilers, mastiffs and Staffordshire bull terriers among others. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024 That makes for modest performance suitable for a phone running basic apps, in a package that's easy to grip and use. New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2024 This method is suitable for managing inversion in both breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding people. Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 2 Nov. 2024 Other over-the-counter medications may be helpful to deal with the symptoms as well but talk with your healthcare provider about which options are suitable for you. Kristina Herndon, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for suitability 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitability
Adjective
  • Harris, Rasmussen said, was not qualified to be president.
    Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Morrow's Democratic opponent Mo Green, a former superintendent, has framed himself as the more qualified candidate who'd be tasked with saving public schools in North Carolina.
    Zachery Eanes, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Returning to school as quickly as possible, with appropriate support, and getting light exercise that doesn’t pose a head injury risk are important first steps in concussion recovery, and in line with the latest research.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • But while the 118 is able to save both Celeste and her mother-in-law’s final resting place, a smug Trent trips and drops the vase, an appropriate punchline to a very silly cold open.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Washington has been very close — but not good enough — against the best competition on its schedule.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • They are gone, presumably for good, a full 21 months before the end of Lo’s two-year lease.
    Suzanne Seggerman, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In fitting form for the satirical website, The Onion’s news release announcing the sale was written in the voice of a CEO of Global Tetrahedron, a fictional evil company created by Onion staff.
    Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • That grace is a fitting conclusion to her season-long arc.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • But for a franchise that has lagged behind its rivals for decades, a win could finally signal an era of relevance.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Judges are looking for relevance to neuroscience, creativity, accurate interpretation of data and quality of the research report.
    Kristen Moon, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • People who are elderly, sick, or disabled may not be capable of flight.
    Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024
  • The dedicated graphics card is capable of 1080p gaming at medium settings just as long as the title isn’t too demanding and will help with any graphic design tasks.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Creators will have to complete a questionnaire for each project in advance so that Roblox can ensure proper categorization.
    Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Also helpful is the kind of peer pressure among veterans who lead by example in terms of getting the proper amount of rest and recovery.
    Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Both have been scrutinized over signature validity.
    Zack Huffman, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Trump and his allies spread falsehoods about the validity of the vote count in Detroit in 2020.
    Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 31 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near suitability

Cite this Entry

“Suitability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitability. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on suitability

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!