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 This is especially pertinent in times when confidence in traditional financial instruments is wavering. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025 Both men entered their posts with little pertinent experience and long histories of criticizing the agency. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025 Chapman’s comments come about at a rather pertinent time in her recent career. Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2025 Housing information, like when a process was kicked off, the decision criteria for denial or approval, records of supporting medical documentation and other pertinent information within a software platform, allows for easier access and reporting. Seth Turner, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pertinent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertinent
Adjective
  • This involves feature engineering to extract relevant indicators of hot money, handling missing data, standardizing data formats and addressing potential biases in the data.
    Yidi Xu, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • While the new study is focused on ice sheets, Durham University’s Stokes notes that recent research shows other parts of the Earth system are already at, or very near, tipping points that are irreversible on a timescale relevant to human civilizations.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Broadcasters who distribute over-air content are accustomed to a one-size-fits-all approach for television, and this uniformity is not applicable with second screens.
    Vinayak S, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • By identifying areas of need for productions, the goal is to then re-train people with applicable experience to transition their skillset into the entertainment industry.
    Zoe Hewitt, Variety, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pertinent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinent. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pertinent

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