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 The policy update, applicable to all reservations booked on or after November 20, is designed to streamline the Airbnb experience after a slew of customer complaints about unclear house rules and laborious demands by property hosts. — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 In fact, while surely revolutionary, continuity and longevity are also applicable to Prada. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 These athletes played before 2021, when the NCAA adopted an interim policy allowing college athletes to earn NIL compensation without losing eligibility, subject to applicable state law and other NCAA rules. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 Oct. 2026 California officials say election administration must follow applicable law and that ballots cannot be withheld on unverified allegations. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applicable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for applicable

Adjective

Honorable rebels take a stand, work, and sacrifice, even against self-interest to bravely bring about something other than the chaos that naturally exists without applied effort to create something good.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
These measurements are then used by the motion-control system to adjust the arm’s position and applied forces.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of applied

Adjective

These capabilities were particularly relevant during the final 103 meters (338 feet) of construction on the Shangri-La side tower.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
The reforms are designed for children and teenagers, but touch on a psychological phenomenon just as relevant to adults.

— Ashwini Nadkarni, Time, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of relevant

Adjective

And what is the appropriate adjudication and justice for that kind of behavior?

— Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
The team of Berg and Bissinger seems appropriate here since both gave us that classic of Texas football, Friday Night Lights, and now find a new uniquely moving connection to the sport and the young men who played it.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of appropriate

Adjective

But the technology is also useful for national security, and those applications don’t require the same level of power-generating fusion success that the electrical grid does.

— Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
While titles can be a useful metric, there seems to be an epidemic of women being promoted to partner without real power.

— Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of useful

Adjective

Last week, Niti Aayog, an Indian government think tank, shared a framework for local governments to evaluate data center projects for sustainability and to provide suitable locations, based on grid readiness and water supply availability.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
Though the park’s activities are suitable for a wide variety of thrill seekers, participants must weigh between 45 and 250 pounds to safely use the park’s gear and be shorter than 6-foot-6.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of suitable

Adjective

So the theoretical maximum is 256 ESSMs rather than 64 missiles, although a practical loadout would probably mix missile types.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Join Fortune‘s Sam Birchall and a group of CFOs on Wednesday 28th October to discuss practical perspectives on strengthening capability, continuity, and long-term resilience in finance.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of practical

Adjective

The silhouette was slim-fitting, with a scoop neckline and flowing skirt that cascaded in ruffles to the red carpet.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
The sentiment is fitting for an artist whose larger-than-life personality and unapologetic appreciation for luxury have become as recognizable as his music.

— Taylor Stoddard, Robb Report, 21 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

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applicant

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Style

“Applicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applicable. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of applicable

adjective

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