Suffice — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /sə-ˈfīs/ suf·fice

Meaning & Definition of Suffice

Suffice (verb)

  1. to meet or satisfy a need, be sufficient —often used with an impersonal it
  2. to be competent or capable
  3. to be enough for

Suffice (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to be enough

    "I was told I have to wear shoes—will thong sandals suffice?"

    similar: do, serve

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Suffice

The most common words with a similar meaning to Suffice:

Word Forms of Suffice

Inflections: sufficed, sufficing

Derived words: sufficer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Suffice

Middle English suffisen, sufficen "to be adequate, be capable," borrowed from Anglo-French suffis-, stem of suffire "to be sufficient for, be adequate," Latinization of Old French sofire, soufire, going back to Vulgar Latin *suffīcere, alteration (with ī from verbs such as dīcere "to say") of Latin sufficere "to provide, appoint, have enough strength or capacity, be adequate," from suf-, assimilated form of sub- sub- + facere "to make, do" fact

First known use: 14th centuryi

Words & Phrases Containing Suffice

Frequently Asked Questions about Suffice

What does "Suffice" mean?

"Suffice" means to meet or satisfy a need, be sufficient —often used with an impersonal it. As a verb, it is defined as: to meet or satisfy a need, be sufficient —often used with an impersonal it.

What is another word for "Suffice"?

Other words for "Suffice" include do and serve. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Suffice" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Suffice"?

There are 10 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Suffice". Common alternatives include do and serve.

How do you use "Suffice" in a sentence?

Examples of "Suffice" in a sentence: "I was told I have to wear shoes—will thong sandals suffice?".

Is "Suffice" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Suffice" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Suffice"?

"Suffice" is pronounced /sə-ˈfīs/ and divided into syllables as suf·fice.

What is the origin of the word "Suffice"?

"Suffice" comes from Middle English suffisen, sufficen "to be adequate, be capable," borrowed from Anglo-French suffis-, stem of suffire "to be sufficient for, be adequate," Latinization of Old French sofire, soufire, going back to Vulgar Latin *suffīcere, alteration (with ī from verbs such as dīcere "to say") of Latin sufficere "to provide, appoint, have enough strength or capacity, be adequate," from suf-, assimilated form of sub- sub- + facere "to make, do" fact. First known use: 14th centuryi.

What is another word for "Suffice" meaning "to be enough"?

When "Suffice" (verb) means to be enough, synonyms include do and serve.