appropriate 1 of 2

adjective

ə-ˈprō-prē-ət How to pronounce appropriate (audio)
Definition of appropriatenext
as in suitable
meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation I don't think jeans and a T-shirt are appropriate attire for a wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

appropriate

2 of 2

verb

ə-ˈprō-prē-ˌāt How to pronounce appropriate (audio)
1
as in to seize
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right archaeologists wrongfully appropriated artifacts excavated at ancient sites for their museums

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to steal
to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep you can't just appropriate somebody's term paper and put your name on it!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective appropriate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of appropriate are apt, felicitous, fitting, fit, happy, meet, proper, and suitable. While all these words mean "right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance," appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

In what contexts can apt take the place of appropriate?

In some situations, the words apt and appropriate are roughly equivalent. However, apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

When would felicitous be a good substitute for appropriate?

The synonyms felicitous and appropriate are sometimes interchangeable, but felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

When might fit be a better fit than appropriate?

The words fit and appropriate can be used in similar contexts, but fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

When could fitting be used to replace appropriate?

Although the words fitting and appropriate have much in common, fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

Where would happy be a reasonable alternative to appropriate?

The meanings of happy and appropriate largely overlap; however, happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

When is meet a more appropriate choice than appropriate?

While in some cases nearly identical to appropriate, meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

When is it sensible to use proper instead of appropriate?

The words proper and appropriate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

When can suitable be used instead of appropriate?

While the synonyms suitable and appropriate are close in meaning, suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

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 appropriate
Adjective
In January 2024, Meta announced a series of new protections aimed at making Instagram and Facebook more age-appropriate for teens. — Larry Magid, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 Those resources include avenues to help seniors maintain regular exercise, ongoing positive social connections, appropriate living situations, transportation and more. — Rachel Brown Kirkland, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
The Legislature appropriated $5 million in one-time funding, so next year, lawmakers will have to decide whether to allocate additional money. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026 For those manufacturers, and for the neoliberals who appropriated Kahlo to sell free trade with Mexico, her life of political radicalism is left unmentioned. — Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for appropriate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appropriate
  1. suitable
  2. seize
  3. steal
  4. proper
  5. confiscate
  6. swipe
  7. fitting
  8. grab
Adjective
  • There is also an abundance of suitable training facilities in the region, which is in the circuit of MLS preseason destinations.
    — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • The modular, and containerized electromagnetic aircraft launch system is capable of deploying drones from almost any suitable location.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Definition of suitable
Verb
  • The party has focused on driving down consumer costs, seizing on what polling shows is deep dissatisfaction about the economy and worries about affordability.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who voted against the proposal in mid-June, voiced fears that the list of noncitizen voters would immediately be seized by federal immigration authorities.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of seize
Verb
  • Zach Neto walked to begin the inning but got picked off at first base attempting to steal second.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Yamal is most likely your favorite player’s favorite player to watch, to steal a somewhat corny adage.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Definition of steal
Adjective
  • Weist herself appears in a brief introductory clip before the performance proper.
    — Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • While the theme words will not be a proper name, the spangram can be a proper name.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of proper
Verb
  • The agent confiscated the letter, carried by Cuban businessman Roberto Carlos Chamizo, and sent him back to Havana.
    — Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Drone operators who violate the temporary flight restrictions could face fines of up to $100,000, have their equipment confiscated, and potentially face criminal charges, the FBI said.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of confiscate
Verb
  • His failure to step up in the pocket and inconsistency in feeling pressure points allow edge rushers to swipe the ball out of his hands way too easily.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • Two weeks before Maria hit, Hurricane Irma swiped past the island’s northeast corner as a Category 5 storm, also knocking out power.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Definition of swipe
Adjective
  • Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, so wear light loose-fitting, light colored clothing, says Gray.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • The ceremony, reportedly held at New York's iconic Madison Square Garden, seems like a fitting venue for a musical performance.
    — Charlie Carballo, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of fitting
Verb
  • Schieffelin, who played football last season because had used up his basketball eligibility, used his bulky frame to grab eight rebounds on an 11-point night.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
  • Once the excitement had died down, the team gathered in a circle and a player went up to Haaland, grabbed the back of his neck and kissed his cheek.
    — Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026
Definition of grab

Browse Nearby Words

appropriable
appropriate
appropriated
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appropriate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on appropriate

Nglish: Translation of appropriate for Spanish Speakers

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