Synonyms of apropos

apropos 1 of 3

adjective

ˌa-prə-ˈpō 

as in relevant

having to do with the matter at hand

the actor announced to reporters that he would regard as apropos only questions about the movie and would ignore inquiries about his love life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relevant
• applicable
• pertinent
• pointed
• apposite
• relative
• germane
• to the point
• appropriate
• important
• useful
• meaningful
• apt
• fitting
• suitable
• material
• significant
• allowable
• sensible
• admissible
• fit

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• irrelevant
• inapplicable
• immaterial
• pointless
• impertinent
• inapposite
• trivial
• extraneous
• little
• unimportant
• insignificant
• frivolous
• trifling
• inconsequential
• minor
• negligible
• slight
• meaningless
• useless
• irrelative
• inappropriate
• purposeless
• senseless
• unsuitable
• inapt
• inadmissible

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

• by the way
• in passing
• incidentally
• by the by
• tangentially
• interjectionally
• parenthetically
• en passant
• secondarily
• excursively
• digressively

apropos

3 of 3

preposition

as in concerning

having to do with

makes a number of telling observations apropos the current political situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• concerning
• regarding
• about
• toward
• on
• of
• touching
• apropos of
• respecting
• in view of
• as for
• with respect to
• in regard to
• with regard to
• as to
• as regards
• in respect to
• as far as
• over

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

Recent Examples of apropos

Adjective

Which makes this decades-old literary quote a terribly apropos citation for these times. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026

Whatever your thoughts on Elon Musk’s politics, his management philosophy — lean, fast-moving, unconventional — is especially apropos in the age of AI. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 27 Mar. 2026

Adverb

Surefire Market is located where Leah & Louise used to be, and that seems apropos. — Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 19 Feb. 2026

And was Ozzy Osbourne showing up posthumously to give us/the (confused) kids one last scare rather apropos? — Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 12 Sep. 2025

Phrases Containing apropos

• apropos of

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