Synonym Chooser

How is the word germane different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of germane are applicable, apposite, apropos, material, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When would applicable be a good substitute for germane?

While the synonyms applicable and germane 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

When could apposite be used to replace germane?

Although the words apposite and germane have much in common, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

Where would apropos be a reasonable alternative to germane?

The words apropos and germane can be used in similar contexts, but apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When is it sensible to use material instead of germane?

The meanings of material and germane largely overlap; however, material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When might pertinent be a better fit than germane?

In some situations, the words pertinent and germane are roughly equivalent. However, pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

When can relevant be used instead of germane?

The synonyms relevant and germane are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 germane That idea—of a grand continuum, in which the circumstances change but all of our big human feelings (heartache, joy, unease, panic, contentment) remain the same, across time and vast distances—felt germane to her new songs. Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025 The battery is not the germane difference here: reports say a bigger battery will mean an iPhone thicker than ever, which is a key design change. David Phelan, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 The study is germane because despite the ease and convenience of e-commerce, most consumers (55 percent) prefer to purchase apparel in-store, according to the Cotton Incorporated 2025 Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey. Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 14 Feb. 2025 But sensitive, fluent editing keeps these excursions germane to Matlin’s story, making this more than just a tribute to one bright, interesting woman. Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for germane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germane
Adjective
  • This is particularly relevant in the case of ChatGPT, as OpenAI is, as of writing, obliged by a US federal court order to store all conversations, even those deleted by users or conducted in its Temporary Chat mode.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Nir Kshetri does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These collaborations aren’t just applicable in the world of social media.
    John Hall, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Mad Men would be named Best Drama for a third straight year and Temple Grandin commenced what turned out to be a seemingly endless onslaught at every applicable awards show, as the TV-movie tied an Emmy record with five major wins.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 13 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Germane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germane. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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