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 Affordability was a central concern for voters in the 2024 presidential contest and remains relevant in the run up to the 2026 midterms, especially among younger voters. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025 As Gomez shows, pairing the shoe with a cozier top half keeps it relevant and elegant. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2025 Skip to three decades later and the idea behind Steve’s Supertrain is curiously relevant in a world looking to reduce emissions and simplify urban commutes. Chelsea Haney october 25, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025 The research interface mimics the web search interface, featuring link tiles at the top, alongside tabs for relevant images, sources, and the steps Perplexity went through during its research. PC Magazine, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relevant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relevant
Adjective
  • Furthermore, by leveraging graphene’s unique electrical and surface properties, researchers can design sensors that maintain high accuracy and consistent performance under demanding conditions, paving the way for more dependable, versatile, and widely applicable lithium detection tools.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
  • While the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends eyewear meet American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) F3164 safety standards – which is applicable to other racquet sports – adoption remains low in pickleball.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This will include name, date of birth, email address, mailing address and other pertinent information.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • In February 2025, umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by MLB for sharing his legal sports gambling accounts with a friend who bet on baseball games and for intentionally deleting electronic messages pertinent to the league’s investigation.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Relevant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relevant. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on relevant

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