Definition of practicablenext
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as in useful
capable of or suitable for being used for a particular purpose that flimsy little saw is not a very practicable tool for cutting heavy tree branches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective practicable differ from other similar words?

The words feasible and possible are common synonyms of practicable. While all three words mean "capable of being realized," practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions.

a solution that is not practicable in the time available

When is feasible a more appropriate choice than practicable?

The words feasible and practicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired.

commercially feasible for mass production

In what contexts can possible take the place of practicable?

Although the words possible and practicable have much in common, possible implies that a thing may certainly exist or occur given the proper conditions.

a possible route up the west face of the mountain

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 practicable 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 Those decisions should be made with a commitment to replenishing reserves as soon as practicable. — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 Under the settlement agreement, CSU must provide notice to employees as soon as reasonably practicable before complying with any subpoena for employees’ personal information unless notice would be prohibited by law or regulation, according to a statement from the California Faculty Association. — Edsource, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • There was palpable excitement, especially after Barringer noted that national Democrats had put the seat on a list of ones to watch for a possible upset.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The embassy said in a statement Monday that partial curfews had been introduced in several French cities, with additional restrictions possible.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Florida law imposes limits on direct contributions to state candidates but generally allows political committees to accept unlimited contributions, subject to applicable reporting and other legal requirements.
    — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The vaccine may also usher in a new wave of treatments for other types of cancer, though experts are debating how broadly applicable the technology could be.
    — Ed Silverman, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The technology could be particularly useful in situations where drones operate frequently or perform missions with limited time for detailed manual checks.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Every patient requires tumor analysis, target selection, manufacturing, and quality testing, all within a clinically useful timeframe.
    — Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The potential scale made possible by Andermatt’s exceptional planning freedoms, meanwhile, transforms what is achievable.
    — Nick Scott, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Sherman said the expected completion date, about 41 months away, is an achievable goal.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026
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
Adjective
  • The system can also help the Army pair missiles with the best available radar, even when that sensor sits outside conventional communication angles.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Reps could not provide information on how much stock is available and for how long.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Fort Worth officials said expanding recess to an hour is not feasible under current campus master schedules, but noted the TCU research could inform future conversations about the school day.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
  • By completing such a flight on battery power alone, Quantum Systems demonstrated that high-subsonic flight using this technology is feasible.
    — David Szondy October 20, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

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

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