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 text of the Bill of Rights can be found below, annotated with relevant scholarship from JSTOR.
    Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Being aware of the fundamental human behaviors that lead to silos and taking steps to overcome them offers fantastic benefits – including more relevant products and services, higher productivity, better use of resources, and more effective and engaged personnel.
    Carol Kinsey Goman, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change.
    Kara McGinley, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Readers should comply with applicable laws and consult health professionals for medical advice.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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
  • This, incidentally, could lead to more persistent inflation if demand for higher wages (to keep up with the higher costs) drives up the cost of labor.
    Raul Elizalde, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • That, incidentally, is much sooner than the season two renewal for One Piece, which came a couple weeks after the series premiere in 2023.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2025
Preposition
  • This shrimp recall is hitting at a time when Americans are already deeply uneasy about the cost and safety of their food.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
  • To learn more about eligibility and the verification process, visit id.me/individuals/group-discounts/students.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
Preposition
  • James Lusk, 26, was riding a motorcycle on the 500 block of Broadway when he was involved in a crash with another vehicle, according to the news release.
    Rafael Escalera Montoto, Arkansas Online, 15 Aug. 2025
  • In the midst of a nearly 500-year-old historic center and on the foundations of what was once Cartagena's first city block, Casa Carolina is a new luxury boutique hotel that brings together every thread of the city's soul.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apropos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apropos. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.

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