befitting

American  

[bih-fit-ing] / bɪˈfɪt ɪŋ /

adjective

1. suitable; proper; becoming.

   planned with a befitting sense of majesty.

   Synonyms:

   seemly, apt, fitting, appropriate

   Antonyms:

   unbecoming, inappropriate, unsuitable

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Other Word Forms

• befittingly adverb
• befittingness noun
• unbefitting adjective
• well-befitting adjective

Etymology

Origin of befitting

First recorded in 1555–65; befit + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Composer Bernard Herrmann’s score, his last, is alternately mellow and roiling, befitting its placid but simmering antihero.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

It feels as though the players are not being treated in a manner befitting national team members.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

This all sounds very experimental as befitting the James Joyce of Portugal, but does it amount to more than a literary leg-pull?

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

He had previously said the comments were "not befitting of someone as educated as myself and were said in the heat of the emotion".

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

“My girl needs a better weapon than this woeful sword, something more befitting an Attendant. I was hoping we could have your leave to procure some proper weapons for her.”

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland