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
  • For nearly a decade, Case has also been toiling away on songs for a musical adaptation of the classic (and still relevant) 1991 film Thelma & Louise with the film’s director, Callie Khouri, who wrote the book for the show.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2025
  • Vera, the buzzy, brilliant and preternaturally observant ten-year-old central to Gary Shteyngart’s sardonic and profoundly relevant new novel, brings a fresh, necessary perspective to our evolving dystopian universe.
    Jane Ciabattari July 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in May that Trump is abiding by all applicable conflict-of-interest laws.
    Kelsey Walsh, ABC News, 1 July 2025
  • Dealing with rage wouldn’t seem the term most applicable to Estévez, who is as amiable and animated as anyone in the Royals’ clubhouse and radiates a room-energizing presence.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 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
  • The Lululemon slides are cool and comfortable, which, incidentally, also happen to be my only two goals this summer.
    Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 9 July 2025
  • The Iconic Brands Corporation was specifically established to handle the Ellesse license by chairman Furniss, a former tennis player and incidentally the first American athlete to scoop up a contract with the Italian brand in 1978 and who now runs private equity firm gTC Group.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 9 July 2025
Preposition
  • But the One, a 20-minute tale about a trans woman, Maya (Mau), who encounters an ex-lover when her partner, Jio (Shaan Dasani), invites his boss over for dinner.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 July 2025
  • Thanks to the oceans on either side of us, the frozen wasteland to the north, and a gentle behemoth to the south, no one thought much about having to defend our borders.
    Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 1 July 2025
Preposition
  • Manager Craig Counsell believes Hodge will throw while on the IL, likely as soon as this weekend in New York, then begin the ramp-up process.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
  • The first time the house was shot was on New Year's Eve heading into 2024.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apropos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apropos. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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