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 John gets all the credit for the apropos CROSS THE BORDER and I NEED SOME SPACE bonuses. New York Times, 26 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
  • Provide your full legal name, date of birth and other relevant account info to confirm your identity.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Each captured a way of thinking about venture investing that was practical, deeply personal, and relevant to how family offices are reshaping their role in the ecosystem.
    Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Breakups are not universally applicable.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The findings may also not be fully applicable to the broader public, given that all study participants were older European adults.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 5 Sep. 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
  • Both examples, incidentally, highlight the fact that a war’s name may differ from place to place.
    Esther Brito Ruiz, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The bug’s feces can also end up inside or near a home and then be incidentally ingested or rubbed into the skin or mucous membrane.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • His statement came amidst growing concern about Colombians joining the war in Ukraine.
    Rebecca Johns, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Sinner spoke Friday about how much Alcaraz’s serve has improved.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • Panouses advises his clients to use intermediaries where possible and claim their prizes on busy news days, such as Election Day, to avoid coverage.
    Safiyah Riddle, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Apropos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apropos. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on apropos

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!