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
  • The more time someone spends on a Meta service, the more data gets generated and the more opportunities the company has to show relevant ads.
    Salvador Rodriguez, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Staff take a holistic approach, reevaluating a player’s strength, range of motion, past injuries and other relevant factors.
    Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Detectives presented the case to the prosecuting attorney's office and concurred that no applicable charges were warranted in this case.
    NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 25 July 2025
  • Marco was ejected from the game, which under applicable rules, meant he was suspended from the following game.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 July 2025
Preposition
  • Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • 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
Adverb
  • The actor made his presence felt on the gridiron in The Longest Yard (1974) — incidentally later remade by Sandler — as well as Clint Eastwood’s Pale Rider (1985) and the Gene Wilder/Richard Pryor buddy comedy Silver Streak (1976).
    Skyler Trepel, EW.com, 25 July 2025
  • Against Italy, Agyemang was the hero who forced extra time again before Kelly scored the 119th-minute winner — which, incidentally, was from a penalty won by Beth Mead, another substitute.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 24 July 2025
Preposition
  • Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese hasn't been shy about her feelings toward the ongoing negotiations between the WNBA and its players regarding player salaries.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025
  • That may sound silly to some, Foster said, but the work done by the Environmental Protection Agency in placing bands on birds and following the migration of bees informs officials about the impact of projects on the environment.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 July 2025
Preposition
  • All are spaceflight rookies except Russell, who flew on Blue Origin's NS-28 mission in November 2024.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Helms made an appearance on the most recent episode of Wilson's podcast Soul Boom.
    Daysia Tolentino, EW.com, 3 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apropos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apropos. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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