Definition of practicablenext
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as in useful
capable of or suitable for being used for a particular purpose that flimsy little saw is not a very practicable tool for cutting heavy tree branches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective practicable differ from other similar words?

The words feasible and possible are common synonyms of practicable. While all three words mean "capable of being realized," practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions.

a solution that is not practicable in the time available

When is feasible a more appropriate choice than practicable?

The words feasible and practicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired.

commercially feasible for mass production

In what contexts can possible take the place of practicable?

Although the words possible and practicable have much in common, possible implies that a thing may certainly exist or occur given the proper conditions.

a possible route up the west face of the mountain

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of practicable Those decisions should be made with a commitment to replenishing reserves as soon as practicable. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 Under the settlement agreement, CSU must provide notice to employees as soon as reasonably practicable before complying with any subpoena for employees’ personal information unless notice would be prohibited by law or regulation, according to a statement from the California Faculty Association. Edsource, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026 Any future accommodation will be privately funded by the King, and it's understood that the move will happen as soon as practicable. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 McCuskey says a testing regimen is just not practicable and that Becky can still compete, but on a boys team. ABC News, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
Adjective
  • Sunlight Place the plant in a sunny window, south-facing if possible, and give it four to six hours of sunlight each day.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Carley Garner, a commodity market strategist and broker at DeCarley Trading, said smaller futures and oil ETFs such as the United States Oil Fund (ticker USO) have made speculation possible for traders at almost any level of experience or funding.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The approach can be especially applicable when several providers in one area use similar equipment.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In court Friday, Rothblatt said prosecutors determined Company A had paid all applicable income taxes to the IRS on time, and that any personal income taxes that had been owed by Individual B were paid up in following years.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The most useful example turned out to be something Alexa had previously done very well.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Removing dye, however, is only useful to recycling if the process does not destroy the cellulose along with it.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The projects are part of the county’s Housing Action Plan, which calls for adding 1,300 units of achievable housing by summer 2029.
    Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The strategy for long-term wellness may evolve, but sustainable vitality remains achievable.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Turning the measured effect into a practical quantum-control tool will require researchers to understand and manage the remaining optical imperfections.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The upcoming holidays will test AI's practical advantage in navigating uncertainty and building resilient retail businesses.
    Jill Standish, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Perfumer Jérôme Epinette added two more scents — Embrace, and D’lish — to join the already available Thrill, Splash, Crush, Sweet, and Vibe.
    Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • More than 200 titles will launch with Indonesian dubbing, with a wider slate available in Indonesian subtitles.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Debt settlement is an alternative to bankruptcy, but is that route feasible for a high credit card balance?
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Earning more money isn't feasible for everyone but trimming your expenses could provide some relief.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Designed for future growth, the laboratory positions Auburn to meet increasing demand for applied research and technology development in aerospace and defense.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • FutureTex will work with domestic manufacturers to commercialize applied research, modernize facilities and equipment—plus incorporate digital infrastructure and other emerging technologies into production.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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