suffice
verb (used without object)
to be enough or adequate, as for needs, purposes, etc.
have sufficed
-
present perfectof suffice.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Count us among those who think the red card was excessive; a yellow card would have sufficed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026
He said their occupation of the guardhouse would have sufficed in causing disruption and the damage they caused was "gratuitous" and for "performance purposes only".
From BBC ● Mar. 4, 2026
In our reality, of course, the ordinary pressures of the cable news business might have sufficed to force the call, deal or no deal, steak or chicken.
From New York Times ● May 15, 2023
Still, Braff sometimes takes the more obvious, melodramatic route when a subtler approach to certain themes and actions would have sufficed.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 23, 2023
Without that quality, his other virtues would not have sufficed to attain the same effect.
From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli
