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 In general, these over-the-air channels show games pertinent to the region. Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025 When tucked behind a windowed or all-glass side of a PC case, the Xeneon Edge serves as a useful, visually stunning way to keep an eye on the pertinent core information for your PC setup. Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2025 The agency's work is especially pertinent in cities like Louisville, where chemical plants are found in large clusters, often near residential neighborhoods. Ruby Grisin, The Courier-Journal, 19 Aug. 2025 Her group is also able to loan or gift items, if pertinent to that community, to other cities or historical societies. Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pertinent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertinent
Adjective
  • Provide your full legal name, date of birth and other relevant account info to confirm your identity.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Each captured a way of thinking about venture investing that was practical, deeply personal, and relevant to how family offices are reshaping their role in the ecosystem.
    Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Breakups are not universally applicable.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The findings may also not be fully applicable to the broader public, given that all study participants were older European adults.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pertinent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinent. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pertinent

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