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 findings could be relevant to flexible electronics, optoelectronic devices and thermoelectric technologies, where better conductivity can improve device performance. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026 McNeil said Point King’s Australian base and operating experience made the firm particularly relevant as a partner. Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026 Bringing these sources together, along with relevant external and unstructured data, can provide a more complete view of each customer. Dr. Vasudeva Akula, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Such lessons seem relevant to the situation in California, too. Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relevant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relevant
Adjective
  • The system allows the city to retain a record of the application, which will be available when the applicant visits a NET office or the Zoning Office to complete the process and pay the fees required for the applicable business license.
    Maykel Gonzalez, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Election officials determined my eligibility, prepared and sent the correct ballot and accepted it under applicable law.
    Lee Moak, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Fuller made pertinent remarks about perception and reputation.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • That’s especially pertinent given ongoing security incidents with other OpenAI tools.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 7 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Relevant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relevant. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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