pertain

verb

pər-ˈtān How to pronounce pertain (audio)
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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 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 Its provisions only pertain to the final totals of cash transactions in the event that exact change cannot be provided. — Brian Delp, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The genetic differences among the populations did not pertain only to smell. — Willow Zhang, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertain
  1. belong
  2. relate
  3. apply
  4. refer
Verb
  • Considering Dolphins have roughly 40 players on this training camp roster who legitimately belong on a 53-man roster, Sullivan should be aggressive with claiming players or poaching them off practice squads.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Prevention can be small interactions that build a sense of belonging and hope long before a crisis occurs.
    — Jonathan Wright, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of belong
Verb
  • The process can involve repairs across propulsion, electrical and combat-related systems.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Gennaro Tomma is a freelance journalist who covers science, with a focus on the natural world, biodiversity, conservation, climate change, environmental and science-related policies, and more.
    — Gennaro Tomma, Scientific American, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of relate
Verb
  • The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning that applies to more than 1 million people in San Diego County, mostly across inland valleys, foothills and mountains where high temperatures will approach or exceed 95 to 114 degrees.
    — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The study found the models understood concepts such as the Kelly criterion and Merton share in theory but struggled to apply appropriate risk management when making actual simulated trading decisions.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of apply
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
Definition of refer

Phrases Containing pertain

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Cite this Entry

“Pertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertain. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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