practicable

1 of 2

adjective

Synonyms of practicablenext
1
: capable of being put into practice or of being done or accomplished : feasible
a practicable plan
2
: capable of being used : usable
a practicable weapon

practicability

2 of 2

noun

prac·​ti·​ca·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpraktə̇kəˈbilətē How to pronounce practicability (audio)
-tēk- -lətē
-i
1
: the quality or state of being practicable
2
: something that is practicable
Choose the Right Synonym for practicable

possible, practicable, feasible mean capable of being realized.

possible implies that a thing may certainly exist or occur given the proper conditions.

a possible route up the west face of the mountain

practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions.

a solution that is not practicable in the time available

feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired.

commercially feasible for mass production

Examples of practicable in a Sentence

Adjective The idea is interesting but not practicable, I'm afraid. a solution that is not practicable in the time available to us
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
The inmate can choose to decline the offer and be released as soon as possible or practicable. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026 Others wonder whether a revival of the uptown flagship is practicable. David Moin, Footwear News, 11 June 2026 McCuskey says a testing regimen is just not practicable and that Becky can still compete, but on a boys team. ABC News, 12 Jan. 2026 Those decisions should be made with a commitment to replenishing reserves as soon as practicable. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for practicable

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of practicable was in 1593

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Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/practicable. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

practicable

adjective
1
: capable of being done, put into practice, or accomplished : feasible
a practicable plan
2
: usable
a practicable weapon

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