suffice
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
verb
-
to be adequate or satisfactory for (something)
-
(takes a clause as object) let us say no more than that; I shall just say that
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
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.
With most people’s finances, this will suffice to keep them safe from schemers and bad actors.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026
“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
I settled my plans, and began to ready my will and body to enter dothe, for my own strength would never suffice unaided by the strength out of the Dark.
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
Definitions 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.
