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

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 relevant WatchOS 26 takes the next step in bringing those immediately relevant widgets to your attention. Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 31 July 2025 So even if Kentucky has become ruby-red over the past decade, is the historic event still relevant if only one party is truly represented? Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 31 July 2025 The tariff order was signed Wednesday but did not confirm whether the August 1 deadline remained relevant. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025 Because the methodology relies on factors that aren’t relevant to much of the state, some counties may rank lower despite offering outstanding outdoor opportunities unique to Texas. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for relevant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relevant
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
Adjective
  • Despite the silence on any pertinent information, White House officials were quick to tout the move on social media.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2025
  • This is pertinent in the profitability and sustainability (PSR) era.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on relevant

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