suitable
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of suitable
Explanation
As suitable means appropriate for the purpose, you can imagine that sneakers are more suitable than high heels at a track meet. While suitable always means appropriate for a certain person or situation, sometimes it is not based on fact but merely a matter of opinion. A bicycle is not a suitable mode of transportation during a winter storm because the rider is exposed to the elements. However, the clothing that you think is just fine for school might seem unsuitable to the principal. Unfortunately, he has the final say in that one!
Vocabulary lists containing suitable
The Diary of Anne Frank
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The Watsons Go to Birmingham
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Mr. Popper’s Penguins
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The land would be restored by replanting suitable species and "village centres, mosques, schools and graves" would be spared, he said, indicating land owners would be offered "alternative" plots further away.
From Barron's ● Nov. 6, 2026
The gel is designed to be safe, simple to apply, and suitable for manufacturing on a larger scale.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 5, 2026
"We remain focused on supporting him and ensuring suitable arrangements to continue his education."
From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2026
If scientists can identify and develop suitable materials, including altermagnets, this approach could lead to major advances in technologies ranging from wireless communication to quantum computing.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 4, 2026
Mrs. Malvolio blinked repeatedly and smiled blankly as her brain scrambled to come up with a suitable answer.
From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
