Synonym Chooser

How is the word pertinent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of pertinent are applicable, apposite, apropos, germane, material, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

In what contexts can applicable take the place of pertinent?

While the synonyms applicable and pertinent 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 might apposite be a better fit than pertinent?

The synonyms apposite and pertinent are sometimes interchangeable, but apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

Where would apropos be a reasonable alternative to pertinent?

The words apropos and pertinent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When can germane be used instead of pertinent?

Although the words germane and pertinent have much in common, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When is material a more appropriate choice than pertinent?

While in some cases nearly identical to pertinent, material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When would relevant be a good substitute for pertinent?

The words relevant and pertinent can be used in similar contexts, 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 pertinent The receipts included some pertinent info: date, location, and the type of gift. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025 This review will be updated with any pertinent details when the current 2025 audit concludes. PC Magazine, 10 June 2025 The most pertinent pandemic threat today is the bird flu virus H5N1. Amy Maxmen, ABC News, 6 June 2025 At least until an effective vaccine for COVID-19 is developed and widely available, a more pertinent question might be: What won’t be? George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pertinent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertinent
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
  • White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in May that Trump is abiding by all applicable conflict-of-interest laws.
    Kelsey Walsh, ABC News, 1 July 2025
  • Dealing with rage wouldn’t seem the term most applicable to Estévez, who is as amiable and animated as anyone in the Royals’ clubhouse and radiates a room-energizing presence.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pertinent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinent. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pertinent

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