suitable
6 synonyms and 1 antonyms for suitable, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Right or appropriate for a particular purpose, person, or occasion.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Antonyms
How to use suitable
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From suit plus the adjective ending -able, literally "able to be suited (to something)."
Full origin of suitable →Frequently asked questions
What does “suitable” mean?
The word “suitable” means right or appropriate for a particular purpose, person, or occasion. In plain terms, fitting the needs or requirements of a situation.
How do you pronounce “suitable”?
“Suitable” is pronounced SYOO-tuh-b ([ˈsju.tə.bɫ̩] in IPA).
How do you use “suitable” in a sentence?
Here is “suitable” used in a sentence: “That film isn't suitable for young children.”
What is the opposite of “suitable”?
The opposite of “suitable” — its antonyms — is unsuitable.
What part of speech is “suitable”?
“Suitable” is an adjective.
Is “suitable” a common word?
“Suitable” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between suitable and appropriate?
Both mean right for a particular purpose, person, or occasion, and they are often interchangeable. Suitable tends to emphasize practical fit, as in "suitable for children" or "a suitable venue," while appropriate leans slightly more formal and often concerns what social norms or rules call for, as in "appropriate behaviour." In most sentences either word works.
Is it suitable for or suitable to?
Suitable for is the standard pattern when naming a purpose, person, or occasion: "suitable for beginners," "suitable for outdoor use." Suitable to appears mainly in more formal or older phrasing, such as "suitable to the occasion." When in doubt, use suitable for.
What is the difference between suitable and suited?
Suitable describes something as right or appropriate in itself: "a suitable candidate." Suited is the participle of suit and usually appears with to or for to express a match between two things: "she is well suited to the role." Suitable modifies a noun directly, while suited normally needs a complement.
Is the opposite of suitable insuitable or unsuitable?
The correct negative form is unsuitable, as in "unsuitable for young viewers." Insuitable is not a standard English word. English negates this adjective with the prefix un-, not in-.