Definition of pertainnext
1
as in to belong
to be the property of a person or group of persons the belief that quality medical care is a right that pertains to everyone

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2
as in to relate
to have a relation or connection a person who is an expert in anything pertaining to the history of the American theater

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 pertain The district has not confirmed nor denied previous reporting from WSOC-TV that the investigation pertained to contracts with some of Hill’s former colleagues. Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026 The restrictions pertain to parking lanes, curb lanes, and partial travel lanes to assist with the buildout and breakdown of the event, according to a city news release. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 There is no similar law that pertains to private school operators in Wisconsin. Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 17 Aug. 2026 The state charges pertain to the killing itself, as well as firearms offenses. Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertain
Verb
  • For decades, the idea of a robot working inside an operating room belonged more to science fiction than medicine.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • These connections form an invisible architecture of care and belonging.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Neiman speculates that polyploidy and the snail’s unusual reproductive strategies are related.
    Carrie Arnold Contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Though theories implicated everyone from rival rapper Biggie Smalls to Knight’s wife Sharitha — neither of whom was ever charged in connection with the murder — investigators long suspected the killing was gang-related.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Fall Cool-season grasses benefit most from fertilizer applied in the fall.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Contrary to popular belief, applying ice or using a tourniquet can worsen the effects of a venomous snakebite by slowing blood flow.
    Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Another regional exclusive is slated in September for Japan, where Jordans do historically fare well, with an Air Jordan 12 calling back to the time Michael Jordan referred an exhibition game pitting NBA players against three sumo wrestlers.
    Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Department of Labor referred the Times to the the Department of Justice, which did not respond to a request for comment on whether the government plans to appeal.
    Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertain. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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