Synonyms of relevant

relevant

adjective

ˈre-lə-vənt 

as in applicable

having to do with the matter at hand

make sure your comments during the interview are short and relevant

Synonyms & Similar Words

• applicable
• pertinent
• important
• appropriate
• pointed
• relative
• meaningful
• useful
• to the point
• germane
• suitable
• apposite
• material
• apropos
• fitting
• significant
• apt
• allowable
• admissible
• sensible
• fit

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• irrelevant
• inapplicable
• immaterial
• extraneous
• pointless
• unimportant
• trivial
• little
• minor
• insignificant
• impertinent
• negligible
• frivolous
• inapposite
• inconsequential
• useless
• meaningless
• slight
• trifling
• irrelative
• inappropriate
• unsuitable
• purposeless
• senseless
• inadmissible
• inapt

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

Recent Examples of relevant

Questions about relevant issues are OK. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 12 June 2026

And this was especially relevant in the sixteenth century, because the world was changing. —Literary Hub, 11 June 2026

The Big 12 is thrilled that Tech has become a nationally relevant program. —Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026

The group also called for an emergency meeting of relevant USDA officials, border-state commissioners of agriculture, and state veterinarians to coordinate against the insect. —Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 11 June 2026