suffice

American  

[suh-fahys, -fahyz] / səˈfaɪs, -ˈfaɪz /

verb (used without object)

sufficed, sufficing

1. to be enough or adequate, as for needs, purposes, etc.

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verb (used with object)

sufficed, sufficing

1. to be enough or adequate for; satisfy.

suffice British  

/ səˈfaɪs /

verb

1. to be adequate or satisfactory for (something)

2. (takes a clause as object) let us say no more than that; I shall just say that

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Usage

What does suffice mean? To suffice is to be just enough, or adequate, as in I can fold the laundry later, so taking the clothes out of the dryer will suffice. When something suffices, it might not meet all your needs, but it will meet at least a minimum of them. For example, you might feel somewhat rested when you get seven hours of sleep but really well rested when you get nine hours. Nine hours of sleep might be most desirable, but seven hours suffices. Example: It could be better, but I suppose this will suffice.

Other Word Forms

• sufficer noun
• unsufficing adjective

Etymology

Origin of suffice

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English sufficen, from Latin sufficere “to put under, supply, be capable,” from suf- suf- + -ficere, combining form of facere “to do, make” ( do ¹ ); replacing Middle English suffisen, from Old French, from Latin, as above

Explanation

To suffice is to be enough, in either quality or quantity. It may not be gourmet all the time, but if your food is healthy, it will suffice. The word suffice comes from a combination of the Latin words sub ("under") and facere ("make") that together mean "meet the need of." This need is usually the bare minimum — no leftovers, nothing fancy. The common phrase "Suffice it to say" means "I'll just say" or "All that needs to be said is...."

Example Sentences

“I anticipate that most, if not all, states will eventually issue forms of identification that suffice to establish lawful presence.”

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026

A score of a difference at the end will suffice for Scotland.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

A 2% or 3% growth rate might suffice for your food and shelter costs, but bank on medical costs going up by at least 5% a year.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

A simple “thank you” would not suffice for 30 to 60 minutes of your time, especially in the wake of such a dangerous cold front.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 24, 2026

No, the dark and tiny cloister garden will not suffice.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Related Words

• get by
• satisfy