suffice

American  

[suh-fahys, -fahyz] / səˈfaɪs, -ˈfaɪz /

verb (used without object)

sufficed, sufficing

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

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verb (used with object)

sufficed, sufficing

1. to be enough or adequate for; satisfy.

suffice British  

/ 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

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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

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...."

Example Sentences

Does discovering that a desire is deep-seated, or authentic, suffice to make it a worthwhile goal?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

If your stepmother acknowledged in the email she sent you after the statute of limitations expired on contesting the will, even implicitly, that she promised to give you $500,000, that could suffice.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 23, 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

“Lomas Longstrider saw the walls of Qarth. His books suffice for me. I have gone as far east as I intend to go.”

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Related Words

• get by
• satisfy