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 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 The British government and the germane government, the two antagonists in the war at that point, were both engaged in propaganda campaigns in the United States. CBS News, 1 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for germane
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germane
Adjective
  • Uncomfortable moments, such as when Luke Armstrong’s record £500,000 transfer from Harrogate Town collapsed due to a failure to submit the relevant paperwork in time, have previously been totally ignored.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • This fluency fosters trust and alignment across the organization and ensures that AI projects are not just technically sound but strategically relevant.
    Chaitanya Laxminarayana, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Holcomb objected, saying it hasn't been established that that definition is applicable to this case.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 18 June 2025
  • Hosts and guests are always required to comply with applicable laws concerning firearms, ammunition, dangerous objects, and other self-defense devices.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Germane.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germane. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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