suitable

1 of 2

adjective

suit·​able ˈsü-tə-bəl How to pronounce suitable (audio)
Synonyms of suitable
1
a
: adapted to a use or purpose
suitable for kitchen use
b
: satisfying propriety : proper
suitable dress
c
: able, qualified
a suitable candidate for the job
2
obsolete : similar, matching
suitability
ˌsü-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce suitable (audio)
noun
suitableness noun
suitably
ˈsü-tə-blē How to pronounce suitable (audio)
adverb

suitability

2 of 2

noun

suit·​abil·​i·​ty ˌsütəˈbilətē How to pronounce suitability (audio)
-ütə-, 
-lətē, 
-i
: the quality or state of being suitable or appropriate: such as
a
: compatibility
a marriage of pure inclination and suitability—Charles Dickens
b
: fitness, qualification
unfounded accusations reflecting on their loyalty and suitability—Sidney Hook
the suitability of the land for cultivation

Synonyms of suitable

Relevance

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for suitable

fit, suitable, meet, proper, appropriate, fitting, apt, happy, felicitous mean right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance.

fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgment

appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

Examples of suitable in a Sentence

Adjective The dress was a suitable choice. We upgraded the computer to make it suitable to our needs.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Its findings will help mission controllers identify suitable landing locations for the main spacecraft. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026 Medical doctors and other experts will be on hand to advise potential clients about suitable treatments. — Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 The aircraft will declare an emergency with air traffic control, then autonomously fly to the nearest suitable airport, communicate with air traffic control, and safely land, bringing the plane to a full stop and shutting down the engine. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026 QuickBooks Online offers both free and paid tiers suitable for freelancers, solopreneurs and small businesses. — Dana Miranda, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suitable

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of suitable was in 1563

Rhymes for suitable

See All Rhymes for suitable

Browse Nearby Words

suitability
suitable
suitableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suitable. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

suitable

adjective
suit·​able ˈsüt-ə-bəl How to pronounce suitable (audio)
1
: adapted to a use or purpose
food suitable for human consumption
2
: being fit or right for a use or group
clothes suitable to the occasion
a movie suitable for children
3
: qualified sense 1, capable
looking for a suitable replacement
suitability
ˌsüt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce suitable (audio)
noun
suitableness
ˈsüt-ə-bəl-nəs
noun
suitably
-blē How to pronounce suitable (audio)
adverb
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