applicable

adjective

ap·​pli·​ca·​ble ˈa-pli-kə-bəl How to pronounce applicable (audio)
also
ə-ˈpli-kə- How to pronounce applicable (audio)
Synonyms of applicable
: capable of or suitable for being applied : appropriate
statutes applicable to the case
A fee is applicable when a scheduled payment is late.
applicability
ˌa-pli-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce applicable (audio)
also ə-ˌpli-kə-
noun

Synonyms of applicable

Relevance
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Choose the Right Synonym for applicable

relevant, germane, material, pertinent, apposite, applicable, apropos mean relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand.

relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

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

apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

Examples of applicable in a Sentence

Businesses must comply with all applicable laws. is that information applicable in this case?
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.
The specific facts matter, including when the debt was incurred, how the account was used and applicable state law. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Substitutions Here’s how to substitute heavy cream for half-and-half (and vice versa) when applicable. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 Then, if applicable, check the exclusion list; many codes do not apply to sale items, new arrivals, or specific collections like the Moab series. — Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026 Longer delays can be imposed if permitted by a court, state regulator or other applicable authority. — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for applicable

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French applicable, applicquable, borrowed from Medieval Latin applicābilis, from Latin applicāre "to bring into contact (with), apply" + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy (of being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of applicable was in 1548

Rhymes for applicable

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Browse Nearby Words

applicability
applicable
applicableness
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Cite this Entry

“Applicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/applicable. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

applicable

adjective
ap·​pli·​ca·​ble ˈap-li-kə-bəl How to pronounce applicable (audio)
also
ə-ˈplik-ə- How to pronounce applicable (audio)
: capable of being put to use or put into practice : appropriate
applicability
ˌap-li-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce applicable (audio)
also ə-ˌplik-ə-
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on applicable

Nglish: Translation of applicable for Spanish Speakers

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