advisable

adjective

ad·​vis·​able əd-ˈvī-zə-bəl How to pronounce advisable (audio)
: fit to be advised or done : prudent
advisability noun
advisableness noun
advisably adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for advisable

expedient, politic, advisable mean dictated by practical or prudent motives.

expedient usually implies what is immediately advantageous without regard for ethics or consistent principles.

a politically expedient decision

politic stresses judiciousness and tactical value but usually implies some lack of candor or sincerity.

a politic show of interest

advisable applies to what is practical, prudent, or advantageous but lacks the derogatory implication of expedient and politic.

sometimes it's advisable to say nothing

Examples of advisable in a Sentence

My doctor said it was advisable for me to lose weight. it's never advisable to ride double on a bicycle
Recent Examples on the Web Given the balanced mix of skills assessed, allocating around 70–90 hours for AUD exam preparation is advisable. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 However, surgery may not be advisable for those with adverse reactions to anesthesia or those who have already undergone stomach surgery. Christopher Thompson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 The fact that she’s created a will, rather than a living trust — which avoids probate and which is typically advisable in California — is concerning. Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2024 Since Medicare is generally not accepted outside of the U.S., a private medical insurance policy is advisable. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2024 Generally safe, but advisable only when necessary due to the small risks of complications and, yes, even death. Madeleine Kearns, National Review, 28 Jan. 2024 There is only one hospital on the island, so private insurance that includes transportation to the U.S. or a nearby large city is advisable. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2024 But prices are likely to continue rising faster than central banks such as the Federal Reserve say is advisable well into this year. David J. Lynch, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2024 Customs officers in the U.S. might, though probably won’t, ask to see an itinerary for your visit, and carrying a hard copy is advisable. Michael Snyder, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'advisable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

advise + -able

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of advisable was in 1638

Dictionary Entries Near advisable

Cite this Entry

“Advisable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/advisable. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

advisable

adjective
ad·​vis·​able əd-ˈvī-zə-bəl How to pronounce advisable (audio)
: reasonable or proper under the circumstances : wise, prudent
advisability noun
advisably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on advisable

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