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
Mike Zimmer's cabin motif with game mounted on the walls was apropos. Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2020 As much as the draft not being held in Las Vegas is missing out on a spectacle, the virtual version might be far more apropos for Herbert, who will celebrate from home with his family. oregonlive, 23 Apr. 2020
Adverb
And was Ozzy Osbourne showing up posthumously to give us/the (confused) kids one last scare rather apropos? Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apropos
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apropos
Adjective
  • WalletHub then evaluated the five dimensions using 45 relevant metrics, with their corresponding weights.
    Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Of course, this will all vary depending on which barrel your bottle comes from, and whether or not any of these are relevant sense memories for you.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But the study’s findings may not be applicable to all adults age 65 and older since the researchers focused their efforts in Canada, where patients have access to universal health care.
    Gina Park, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Tickets are $12, plus applicable taxes and fees.
    Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 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 lifestyle push incidentally coincided with the launch of the brand’s seminal fashion collection, for which Vespa recruited an experienced team of designers.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2025
  • That, of course, became Max Brosmer from New Hampshire (who incidentally made his NFL debut Sunday in the Vikings’ 48-10 victory over Cincinnati).
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • Over the years, Ludwinski said she’s connected with people at Zingerman’s who helped with questions about business challenges.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The film, which was found under a carpet and in a duct along with jewelry worn by Schaefer, served as evidence when Ignatow was convicted of perjury for lying to a federal grand jury about his involvement in Schaefer's death.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • Sitting at 1-2-1 on the season, the Dallas Cowboys head into their Week 5 game against the New York Jets desperately needing a victory to keep pace in the NFC East.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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