Definition of relevantnext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of relevant are applicable, apposite, apropos, germane, material, and pertinent. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

When is it sensible to use applicable instead of relevant?

While in some cases nearly identical to relevant, 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 can apposite be used instead of relevant?

The meanings of apposite and relevant largely overlap; however, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

Where would apropos be a reasonable alternative to relevant?

The synonyms apropos and relevant are sometimes interchangeable, but apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When might germane be a better fit than relevant?

The words germane and relevant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When could material be used to replace relevant?

The words material and relevant can be used in similar contexts, but material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

In what contexts can pertinent take the place of relevant?

Although the words pertinent and relevant have much in common, pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

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 relevant The company says those sensors can help with reminders and brief activity records tied to relevant interactions rather than continuous recording. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 Perhaps the most intriguing risk factor for psychopathology gleaned from clinical psychological science, and one that is particularly relevant to the assessment and treatment of postpartum psychopathology, is malignant self-criticism. Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026 That left the bureaucratic challenge of communicating this fact to the relevant stakeholders. John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026 An end-to-end AI solution enriched leads with various signals (for example, M&A activity), prioritized leads with the highest conversion likelihood, surfaced relevant account intelligence, and enabled agentic AI outreach. Harvard Business Review, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relevant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relevant
Adjective
  • David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images Hagerman, the hair stylist in Oklahoma City, finds that explanation applicable to her life.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) page now redirects to Rocket Mortgage, so reviews are no longer applicable for the marketplace.
    Dan Simms, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The show has been in the works for over a year, so any connections to The Garage’s closure were coincidental but pertinent to everyone in the library.
    Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Ultimately, quantum processors could resolve optimization and simulation issues that are pertinent to AI, materials discovery, drug development, logistics, and national security.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Relevant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relevant. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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