Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of relevant are applicable, apposite, apropos, germane, material, and pertinent. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

When is it sensible to use applicable instead of relevant?

While in some cases nearly identical to relevant, 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

When can apposite be used instead of relevant?

The meanings of apposite and relevant largely overlap; however, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

Where would apropos be a reasonable alternative to relevant?

The synonyms apropos and relevant are sometimes interchangeable, but apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When might germane be a better fit than relevant?

The words germane and relevant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When could material be used to replace relevant?

The words material and relevant can be used in similar contexts, but material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

In what contexts can pertinent take the place of relevant?

Although the words pertinent and relevant have much in common, pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

Examples 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 relevant The agency was obligated to submit by last week a report to the relevant congressional committees notifying them that D’Souza is on investigative leave, and explaining why. Bymeredith Wadman, science.org, 4 Nov. 2024 In October, the Department of Commerce announced $100 million for collaborations relevant to sustainable manufacturing. Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 4 Nov. 2024 To do so, all the seller needs to do is select an item to generate the DPP for, then add any other relevant sources, like a sustainability page on their site. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 4 Nov. 2024 That’s particularly relevant given that most of the world’s production and consumption of fossil fuels takes place outside the United States and Europe. Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for relevant 

Thesaurus Entries Near relevant

Cite this Entry

“Relevant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relevant. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on relevant

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