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
  • Uncomfortable moments, such as when Luke Armstrong’s record £500,000 transfer from Harrogate Town collapsed due to a failure to submit the relevant paperwork in time, have previously been totally ignored.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • The carousel gives you the relevant parts of the video along with a summary, but the video page is another tap away.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Holcomb objected, saying it hasn't been established that that definition is applicable to this case.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 18 June 2025
  • Hosts and guests are always required to comply with applicable laws concerning firearms, ammunition, dangerous objects, and other self-defense devices.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
Preposition
  • 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
  • Critics of the deal have cited concerns about the intentions of Nippon Steel regarding continuing domestic production, particularly in blast furnaces.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Adverb
  • And, incidentally, David knew what the music was going to be.
    John Bleasdale, Variety, 24 June 2025
  • Chicago has no Bird rights on Horton-Tucker, incidentally, so if, for some wild reason, a bidding war erupts, the Bulls would have to use exception money to keep him.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Preposition
  • Secretary Kristi Noem's news conference about the Trump administration's efforts to crack down on demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting areas with high immigrant populations and labor-intensive industries.
    Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
  • Donald Tomkinson was one of the first writers to make a foray into this new world of concrete, sharp lines, and streets in the sky, writing about the project in a 1953 issue of The Town Planning Review.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 June 2025
Preposition
  • Each instrument had its own channel, and even individual strings on Phil Lesh’s bass were isolated to reduce sonic mud.
    Anna Tingley, Variety, 27 June 2025
  • The business is on track to achieve EBITDA break-even, reflecting the success of our turnaround plan.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apropos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apropos. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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