applicable

adjective

ap·​pli·​ca·​ble ˈa-pli-kə-bəl 

also

ə-ˈpli-kə- 

: capable of or suitable for being applied : appropriate

statutes applicable to the case

A fee is applicable when a scheduled payment is late.

applicability

ˌa-pli-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

also ə-ˌpli-kə-

noun

Synonyms of applicable

• applied
• useful
• applicative
• practical
• practicable

Choose the Right Synonym for applicable

relevant, germane, material, pertinent, apposite, applicable, apropos mean relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand.

relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.

the rule is not applicable in this case

apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

Examples of applicable in a Sentence

Businesses must comply with all applicable laws.

is that information applicable in this case?

Recent Examples on the Web

To be efficiently recycled, these materials need to be sorted, cleaned (where applicable), and concentrated. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Research teams and study populations that lack diversity can overlook important perspectives and produce findings that are less applicable to broader populations. — Rodney Coates, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026

Researchers will ask participants basic questions about their demographic background, mental health and GLP-1 use, if applicable, and also to complete a short cognitive exercise. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

What's actually in your political donation record Federal campaigns generally must itemize an individual's contributions once that person's contributions exceed $200 in the aggregate during the applicable election cycle. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French applicable, applicquable, borrowed from Medieval Latin applicābilis, from Latin applicāre "to bring into contact (with), apply" + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy (of being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for applicable

• inapplicable

Kids Definition

applicable

adjective

ap·​pli·​ca·​ble ˈap-li-kə-bəl 

also

ə-ˈplik-ə- 

: capable of being put to use or put into practice : appropriate

applicability

ˌap-li-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

also ə-ˌplik-ə-

noun