suitability 1 of 2

Definition of suitabilitynext

suitable

2 of 2

adjective

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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 suitability
Noun
The project has developed a multistage process that begins with analyzing multiple paper types to determine their suitability for the heat treatment process. Etiido Uko march 28, New Atlas, 28 Mar. 2026 Rising redemptions The recent spike in redemption requests across private credit has raised fresh questions about the suitability of the industry's higher-yielding, but less-liquid, vehicles for retail investors. Hugh Leask, CNBC, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
These are similar to the OG Zero Pore Pads, but they’re formulated with sensitive skin-suitable ingredients like hyaluronic acid and panthenol that’ll still gently exfoliate the skin. Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026 This compact spinner is suitable for short weekend trips, long international flights, and everything in between. Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suitability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suitability
Noun
  • But the city says the Historic Preservation Board should still weigh in on the project’s overall design and decide whether to grant the hotel a certificate of appropriateness, based on compatibility with the surrounding area and other criteria.
    Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
  • This week, the 11-member Historic and Design Review Commission unanimously voted to issue a certificate of appropriateness for the second phase, an important requirement the city had to secure before applying for other permits and awarding a construction contract.
    Megan Rodriguez, San Antonio Express-News, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • There are also no direct federal or state requirements on how qualified providers use revenue produced under the 340B program.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Look for a company that offers clear pricing, employs qualified professionals, sets realistic expectations and communicates consistently.
    Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • People in this area are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Oh my gosh, ticked off is not the appropriate word.
    Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • These factors reduce the applicability and appeal to venture-style funding.
    Samuel Mueller, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The research team also revealed that their strategy is a highly effective approach for improving not only the thermoelectric and mechanical performances of Ag2Se but also its applicability in curved or flexible energy harvesting devices.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Here are The Denver Post’s 20 best fits remaining for the Broncos through rounds four, five, six, seven and beyond, if Denver indeed wants to have a good day Saturday.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Just being able to be available every single day and also just bring energy and be a good clubhouse guy.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The quirky family dramedy featured a now-iconic soundtrack by Denver’s gypsy-punk-folk-mariachi act DeVotchKa, and having that band play the 20th anniversary seems like a fitting tribute to the title that helped turn DeVotchKa into an international touring force.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2026
  • King Charles is a longtime environmentalist and advocate for sustainability, so the visit to the Harlem Grown nonprofit was a fitting one.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The team said the approach could also be used to design catalysts for other energy storage and conversion technologies, expanding its relevance beyond lithium-sulfur systems.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Ballario’s video is unclear, explaining that Hirst’s relevance to the project, which is intended to celebrate McDonald’s 40th anniversary in Italy, is, in fact, irrelevant.
    Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The move comes as many companies are increasingly looking to agents — AI capable of taking on and executing relatively complex tasks — as a way to boost employee productivity and automate rote chores.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Such a high-data future requires infrastructure capable of handling it.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Suitability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suitability. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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