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
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has sufficedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have sufficedperfect
-
are sufficingprogressive
-
am sufficingprogressive 1st person singular
-
sufficessingular 3rd person
-
sufficingparticiple
-
is sufficingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
has been sufficingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
have been sufficingperfect progressive
Past
-
had sufficedperfect
-
was sufficingprogressive singular
-
had been sufficingperfect progressive
-
sufficedparticiple
-
were sufficingprogressive plural
-
sufficedsimple
Future
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” ( see also do 1); replacing Middle English suffisen, from Old French, from Latin, as above
Explanation
To suffice is to be enough, in either quality or quantity. It may not be gourmet all the time, but if your food is healthy, it will suffice. The word suffice comes from a combination of the Latin words sub ("under") and facere ("make") that together mean "meet the need of." This need is usually the bare minimum — no leftovers, nothing fancy. The common phrase "Suffice it to say" means "I'll just say" or "All that needs to be said is...."
Vocabulary lists containing suffice
Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Easter, 1916" by W.B. Yeats
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Book Thief
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
While a free VPN may suffice for occasional use, paid VPNs offer a far superior experience.
From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026
A couple of examples related to Colossal should suffice.
From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026
They just hoped he would bash enough home runs to make up for it—around 30 would suffice.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
It added that only a striking-off order would suffice, subject to an appeal.
From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026
Whatever head start these measures gave would have to suffice.
From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead
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.
