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 Evidence pertaining to the Fire Department’s response was not permitted at the trial. — Sierra Van Der Brug, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026 The arguments stem from a pretrial motion in which Judge Weeks directed that testimony be limited to only what pertains to the charge at hand, involving the retaliation against James Saulter. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026 That governing body doesn’t have an official policy pertaining to matters of climate. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026 Federal grievances may be thrown out for being trivial, illegible or not pertaining to an issue that can be addressed through the bureau's system. — Christie Thompson, NPR, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertain
  1. belong
  2. relate
  3. apply
  4. refer
Verb
  • As thousands sing, clap and chant together, attendees describe a feeling of bliss and belonging, a chance to step outside the pressures of work, studies and an increasingly competitive society.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • This nostalgic tradition, which calls for a bit of patience, belongs on every old-fashioned summer bucket list.
    — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Definition of belong
Verb
  • Investigators said there was no evidence that the shootings were related.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Even tracks that might have lived elsewhere find their place once a world begins to form around them—a palette of emotional colors that don’t need to match, only to relate.
    — Desjah Altvater, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of relate
Verb
  • The Calabria governor confirmed that 63 Cuban doctors, some of them previously involved in Cuba’s international medical mission, recently applied to work in its healthcare system independently.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
  • The hospitality wage and the enforcement fee only apply to hotels and motels with 150 or more rooms — roughly 110 properties.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
Definition of apply
Verb
  • Kalshi spokesperson Jacki McGavick said the company launched more than 150 investigations into insider trading, blocked more than 100 insider trading moves and referred at least 20 cases to law enforcement in the first quarter of 2026.
    — Luke Garrett, NPR, 9 July 2026
  • The White House on Wednesday referred questions to FEMA, which did not immediately respond to an interview request.
    — Geoff Mulvihill, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 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 11 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of pertain for Spanish Speakers

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