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 But his music is still relevant today and the documentary can elevate his legacy. Mike Snider, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025 The scientist, who has done research on high-energy materials, nitrogen and high-pressure physics -- all of which are relevant to nuclear weapons development -- has been honored in China for his work to advance the country's national development goals, the report said. Didi Tang, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2025 Section 2 of Article 13 is also relevant. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Sep. 2025 The iPhone is Apple’s biggest moneymaker, accounting for roughly half of sales, and the company aims to keep it relevant in the AI era. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relevant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relevant
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
Adjective
  • This will include name, date of birth, email address, mailing address and other pertinent information.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 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

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Cite this Entry

“Relevant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relevant. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on relevant

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