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
  • To kickstart the rescission process, the White House's Office of Management and Budget submits a formal rescission request to relevant committees in Congress, and the panels have 25 days to act on the package.
    Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 9 May 2025
  • The celebrities insist there is no authority or relevant court precedent finding that a trading platform such as FTX counts as a security within the meaning of securities law.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Broadcasters who distribute over-air content are accustomed to a one-size-fits-all approach for television, and this uniformity is not applicable with second screens.
    Vinayak S, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • By identifying areas of need for productions, the goal is to then re-train people with applicable experience to transition their skillset into the entertainment industry.
    Zoe Hewitt, Variety, 14 May 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
  • The exception to this, obviously and imperfectly, is China, which, incidentally, will be adversely affected by certain aspects of the U.K. deal.
    The Editors, National Review, 10 May 2025
  • Also, incidentally, has there ever been a more handsome, mustachioed, salt-crusty movie character than Captain Quint, as played by Robert Shaw?
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 3 May 2025
Preposition
  • At his first major since winning the Masters to complete the career Grand Slam, McIlroy didn’t make birdie over his last 12 holes and had nothing to say about that after a 3-over 74 sent him straight to the range.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • Anyone with information about the case is asked to call police at 801-585-2677.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Preposition
  • He was born in Chicago and raised on the South side of town.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 11 May 2025
  • Children need to be able to work on the project for up to 30 minutes at a time.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apropos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apropos. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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