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

Examples of relevant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Ask your doctor if there is a clinical trial that is relevant to your cancer. Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024 The big picture: Who Satoshi really is could be relevant for several reasons. Pete Gannon, Axios, 9 Oct. 2024 Of course, none of this is relevant if writing per se is only an ancillary goal. Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2024 Artfully posing his subject around the city of San Francisco (often in the backseat of a car, sometimes in more historically relevant places), Devor is happy to let Moore talk. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for relevant 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'relevant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near relevant

Cite this Entry

“Relevant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relevant. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on relevant

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