APPLICABLE Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'applicable' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of applicable are apposite , apropos , germane , material , pertinent , and relevant . While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case. // the rule is not applicable in this case

Q: When is 'apposite' a more appropriate choice than 'applicable'?

The meanings of apposite and applicable largely overlap; however, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance. // add an apposite quotation to the definition

Q: When would 'apropos' be a good substitute for 'applicable'?

While in some cases nearly identical to applicable , apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune. // the quip was apropos

Q: In what contexts can 'germane' take the place of 'applicable'?

In some situations, the words germane and applicable are roughly equivalent. However, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion. // a point not germane to the discussion

Q: When might 'material' be a better fit than 'applicable'?

Although the words material and applicable have much in common, material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case. // facts material to the investigation

Q: When can 'pertinent' be used instead of 'applicable'?

The synonyms pertinent and applicable are sometimes interchangeable, but pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance. // a pertinent observation

Q: When is it sensible to use 'relevant' instead of 'applicable'?

The words relevant and applicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection. // found material relevant to her case

applicable

adjective

ˈa-pli-kə-bəl

Definition of applicable

as in applied

capable of being put to use or account is that information applicable in this case?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relevant

having to do with the matter at hand that comment isn't applicable to our discussion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in appropriate

meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation a knack for selecting the most applicable word

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word applicable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of applicable are apposite, apropos, germane, material, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.

the rule is not applicable in this case

When is apposite a more appropriate choice than applicable?

The meanings of apposite and applicable largely overlap; however, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

When would apropos be a good substitute for applicable?

While in some cases nearly identical to applicable, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

In what contexts can germane take the place of applicable?

In some situations, the words germane and applicable are roughly equivalent. However, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When might material be a better fit than applicable?

Although the words material and applicable have much in common, material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When can pertinent be used instead of applicable?

The synonyms pertinent and applicable are sometimes interchangeable, but pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

When is it sensible to use relevant instead of applicable?

The words relevant and applicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

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 applicable Origin rules depend on the applicable customs requirements and, in many cases, the product’s manufacturing history. — Shannon Hynds, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 The Cabinet said those arrested could face charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act where applicable. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 These potential lines of attack are applicable to DeWine’s order, which authorizes colleges in his state to disregard NCAA rules. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Depending on your jurisdiction and applicable advertising rules, that might include client reviews, testimonials, case results, years of experience, credentials or other measurable outcomes from your work. — Matthew Nigro, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applicable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicable

Adjective

Its analysis found that 74% of those mentions were tied to real-world projects rather than coursework, an indication students are trying to demonstrate their applied experience.

— Corynn Winston, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
By combining aluminum’s low weight with a pre-applied coating, the company is targeting a way to make battery components easier to manufacture while meeting durability and insulation requirements.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of applied

Adjective

CoreMotion technology accelerates the transition from autonomy development and experimentation to operationally relevant capability, as per the release.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Confirm your selections match the relevant insurer, policy, and claim type.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of relevant

Adjective

Apple Vision Pro proved particularly useful for judging the scale of sets before physical construction.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
As Japan entered a period of political upheaval in the mid-nineteenth century, criminal gangs became useful in a new way.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of useful

Adjective

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
Sydney Sweeney delivered a suitable transitional look for a warmer-than-usual autumn that New Yorkers are experiencing.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of suitable

Adjective

This is the practical discipline of moving ever onward in the face of ambiguity.

— Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Its experimental results could help determine whether fast-spectrum molten chloride reactors can progress toward practical applications, including future maritime power systems.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of practical

Adjective

The timing proved especially fitting when Parton passed earlier this year.

— Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Colbert also asked Gerwig about the role of faith in her filmmaking, a fitting topic for a discussion about Lewis’ work, which often explored theological issues.

— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of fitting

Adjective

Any existing solid brick, breeze-block or concrete barriers must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable, or covered with suitable protection if they cannot be removed for structural reasons.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
These days still call for cold drinks and as little clothing as is practicable.

— Brenda Looper, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of practicable

Browse Nearby Words

applicability

applicable

applicant

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Style

“Applicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicable. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of applicable

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