relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vən(t)s 

1

a

: relation to the matter at hand

b

: practical and especially social applicability : pertinence

giving relevance to college courses

2

: the ability (as of an information retrieval system) to retrieve material that satisfies the needs of the user

Synonyms of relevance

• relevancy

Examples of relevance in a Sentence

I appreciate that you did the dishes tonight, but that has no relevance to my enforcement of the punishment you got earlier this week.

Recent Examples on the Web

In our era of No Kings rallies, the contemporary political relevance of a mad ruler demanding public displays of fealty is so obvious that Prikryl doesn’t need to press the point very hard. — Langdon Hammer, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Jude brings incredible global relevance to that strategy, introducing our signature underwear to a new generation through his distinctive confidence and presence. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

While there’s no sign the legislature is flipping red, the Illinois GOP hopes recent scandals involving Democratic state lawmakers will breathe new life into the party’s efforts to gain more relevance. — Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

The full record includes real accomplishments, like restoring a depleted franchise to playoff relevance, attracting Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, adding James Harden and recovering substantial draft capital after that era unraveled. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for relevance

• irrelevance

Kids Definition

relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈrel-ə-vən(t)s 

: relation to the matter at hand : pertinence

Legal Definition

relevance

noun

rel·​e·​vance ˈre-lə-vəns 

: the quality or state of being relevant : relation to the matter at hand

ruled on the relevance of the testimony

relevance in discovery has been broadly interpreted