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 Investors can give it more room, with the rising 50-day at $128 as the relevant floor. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 Reporting the injury promptly may help preserve relevant information and support the claims process. Jason Phillips, Ascend Agency, 24 Aug. 2026 The second appears to describe a correspondence between a prediction and reality, and this correspondence can only be properly established once the relevant reality exists and can be compared with the prediction. Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 These agents identify information relevant to particular use-case-specific signals and produce reports intended to reduce the amount of time required for decision-making. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relevant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relevant
Adjective
  • Beaver’s letter said the county’s approval processes complied with applicable legal standards, and the county has no jurisdiction over federal or state level approvals.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • A lot of the principles in beauty — how to maximize business and go after brands — were very applicable here.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Your point about only one signing who improves the XI is a pertinent one.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, Geller will be factoring in the impact of her vote in Senate and House races on which party – and more pertinent, which agenda – holds power in Congress.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Relevant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relevant. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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