suffice

[suh-fahys, -fahyz]

verb (used without object)

sufficed, sufficing 

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

verb (used with object)

sufficed, sufficing 

1. to be enough or adequate for; satisfy.

suffice

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• unsufficing adjective
• sufficer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of suffice¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of suffice¹

C14: from Old French suffire, from Latin sufficere from sub- below + facere to make

Example Sentences

Is it remotely possible that any such explanation would have sufficed in previous eras?

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But military experts say that domestic production now suffices to ensure the front line wouldn’t imminently collapse.

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Reading Charles Murray on the historicity of the Gospels was not, suffice to say, high on my list of expectations for 2025.

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But some worried that a mere executive memo and a simple congressional statute might not suffice.

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The Dodgers have been so good for so long that nothing but a World Series championship would suffice.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• get by 
• satisfy 

When To Use

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.