apropos 1 of 3

apropos

2 of 3

adverb

as in by the way
by way of interjection or digression I went up to New York last weekend; apropos, have you seen your New York cousins lately?

Synonyms & Similar Words

apropos

3 of 3

preposition

Synonym Chooser

How is the word apropos different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of apropos are applicable, apposite, germane, material, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When is applicable a more appropriate choice than apropos?

While the synonyms applicable and apropos are close in meaning, 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

Where would apposite be a reasonable alternative to apropos?

The synonyms apposite and apropos are sometimes interchangeable, but apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

When could germane be used to replace apropos?

Although the words germane and apropos have much in common, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When is it sensible to use material instead of apropos?

While in some cases nearly identical to apropos, material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When would pertinent be a good substitute for apropos?

The words pertinent and apropos are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

When might relevant be a better fit than apropos?

In some situations, the words relevant and apropos are roughly equivalent. However, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

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 apropos
Adjective
If ever there was an apropos song for the most unfortunate of endings to a season that held so much promise. oregonlive, 13 Mar. 2020 John gets all the credit for the apropos CROSS THE BORDER and I NEED SOME SPACE bonuses. New York Times, 26 Feb. 2020 But, considering the way things unfolded for the Blazers on Thursday, his humor was also apropos. oregonlive, 7 Feb. 2020 The group called itself Women to the Front (WTTF, an apropos acronym). Natalie Gontcharova, refinery29.com, 30 Jan. 2020 See All Example Sentences for apropos
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apropos
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on X, formerly Twitter, that all relevant forces in southern Lebanon and the monitoring committee and army overseeing the November truce should work to stop violations that could threaten his country.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • These stories are even more relevant in 2025, when tech’s most powerful figures have assumed an outsize role in American politics.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Vessels will have to submit a technology screening report that evaluates energy efficiency technologies applicable to the ship.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 27 Mar. 2025
  • This is not applicable on outlet and sale products, as an FYI.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 26 Mar. 2025
Preposition
  • The tragedy is still under investigation but concerns have been raised regarding congested airspace and understaffed air traffic control facilities at Reagan National.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Critics of the deal have cited concerns about the intentions of Nippon Steel regarding continuing domestic production, particularly in blast furnaces.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Adverb
  • That’s incidentally the last name that Meghan and Harry recorded on the birth certificates for their children Archie and Lilibet, English reported.
    Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Putting aside the many risks, there are clearly vast profits to be made in doing business with Russia, which incidentally also has the world’s fourth biggest reserves of rare earths, far bigger than Ukraine’s.
    Matthew Chance, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025
Preposition
  • Delegating is about giving your employees a time to learn, to grow, to shine and to expand while also helping to lighten your load and achieve organizational goals.
    Terina Allen, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • At the time, the attacks sparked nationwide outrage, igniting protests and debates about the country’s judicial system.
    Dyepkazah Shibayan, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
Preposition
  • But, at this point, that’s pretty low on the list of priorities for him.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Keep instant coffee on hand for camping trips, in case of power outages or other emergencies, and even as a handy shortcut when traveling.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apropos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apropos. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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