Synonyms of germane

germane

adjective

(ˌ)jər-ˈmān 

as in relevant

having to do with the matter at hand

my personal opinion isn't germane to our discussion of the facts of the case

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relevant
• applicable
• pertinent
• relative
• pointed
• to the point
• important
• apposite
• appropriate
• apropos
• meaningful
• useful
• suitable
• fitting
• material
• apt
• significant
• allowable
• admissible
• fit
• sensible

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• irrelevant
• immaterial
• inapplicable
• extraneous
• inapposite
• trivial
• pointless
• impertinent
• unimportant
• minor
• little
• negligible
• frivolous
• inconsequential
• insignificant
• trifling
• slight
• useless
• meaningless
• irrelative
• inappropriate
• unsuitable
• purposeless
• senseless
• inadmissible
• inapt

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

Recent Examples of germane

That’s a germane question now, because California lawmakers and the governor just killed a program that was supposed to help diversify jury pools. —Denise Amos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2025

Also, highly germane is that farmers represent powerful political lobbies in most countries. —Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025

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 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

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