befitting

American

[bih-fit-ing] / bɪˈfɪt ɪŋ /

adjective

suitable; proper; becoming.

planned with a befitting sense of majesty.

Synonyms:

seemly, apt, fitting, appropriate

Antonyms:

unbecoming, inappropriate, unsuitable

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The mood is tense and uneasy, befitting a number about the precarious state of life on Earth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Their celebrations were joyous, befitting a team that showed incredible heart for the fight.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 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

The teacher, Mrs. Spektor, had a name befitting her appearance.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023