suitable

adjective

ˈsü-tə-bəl How to pronounce suitable (audio)
Definition of suitablenext
1
as in qualified
having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance with only one suitable candidate it's not difficult to decide for whom to vote

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in appropriate
meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation I don't have anything suitable to wear to a bar mitzvah

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 principality of Monaco is perhaps the least suitable place on the Formula 1 calendar to hold a Grand Prix. —ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025 Smith wants to ensure his content is suitable for everyone, especially his younger viewers over on YouTube. —Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 24 May 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, 19 May 2025 Securities, investment products, other financial products or strategies discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors. —Katie Stockton, CNBC, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for suitable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitable
  1. qualified
  2. appropriate
  3. good
  4. fitting
  5. capable
  6. proper
  7. competent
  8. fitted
Adjective
  • The last time Norway qualified for the World Cup was back in 1998, but the team also has rarely had a player like Erling Haaland, who is the all-time leading goal scorer for the team despite only beginning his national team career in 2019.
    — Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • The team – currently ranked 57th in the world – also qualified for the Olympic Games for the first time in 2024, claiming one of Asia’s three berths.
    — Hassan Tayir, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
Definition of qualified
Adjective
  • The suit seeks compensatory and general damages and special and/or punitive damages, costs associated with filing the lawsuit and other damages deemed appropriate by the court.
    — Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
  • If your submission is selected for inclusion in the NPR News Quiz, you will be acknowledged in a list of contributors on NPR's website or otherwise receive appropriate credit, but failure to do so shall not be deemed a breach of your rights.
    — Holly J. Morris, NPR, 30 May 2025
Definition of appropriate
Adjective
  • The win was the fifth in a row for Detroit and 20th in its last 28 games, and raised its division-leading record to 35-21, good for a .655 winning percentage.
    — Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • Final Thoughts If Chianti Classico once lived in the shadow of its own stereotypes—rustic or simple, a table wine for casual occasions—its best wines today reflect something far more compelling.
    — Jessica Dupuy, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Definition of good
Adjective
  • That all changed at Allianz Arena, the home of Bayern Munich, one of the titans of Europe, and a fitting stage for PSG’s crowning moment.
    — James Robson, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2025
  • Using the tee fitting wasn’t his most grievous error.
    — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
Definition of fitting
Adjective
  • For many, this process leads to an enhanced sense of empowerment—feeling more connected to one’s authentic self, and more capable of navigating life’s challenges.
    — Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 1 June 2025
  • If the weekend had gone differently, and Venis was the one on the outside, would Jeff have been capable of killing him?
    — Selome Hailu, Variety, 31 May 2025
Definition of capable
Adjective
  • The parliamentarian is the chamber's adviser on its proper rules and procedures.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
  • There could be a defense explaining it and somehow providing the proper framework for understanding it.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 6 June 2025
Definition of proper
Adjective
  • According to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, workers consider businesses to be twice as competent as the U.S. government in providing credible information—outpacing nonprofits and the media as well.
    — Dr. Mandy Cohen, Time, 27 May 2025
  • This human element distinguishes truly effective leaders from those who settle for being competent specialists.
    — Dennis Kozak, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of competent
Adjective
  • This set features two pillow shams, duvet cover, and flat and fitted sheet.
    — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 23 May 2025
  • With Relaxed Suiting and an Eye-Catching Bag A baby blue button up (and an avocado bag) add a touch of whimsy to a fitted suit.
    — Christina Holevas, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
Definition of fitted

Browse Nearby Words

suitability
suitable
suitableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitable. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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