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 If anything seems off, change your passwords immediately and report the activity to the relevant service provider. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025 Other relevant metrics—like prices for consumers, data caps, and whether the technology suits a particular location—aren't even in the mix. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 Google Photos groups the most relevant results along the top. PC Magazine, 25 June 2025 The bullpen did not get a chance for its work to be relevant Friday. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for relevant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relevant
Adjective
  • Holcomb objected, saying it hasn't been established that that definition is applicable to this case.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 18 June 2025
  • Hosts and guests are always required to comply with applicable laws concerning firearms, ammunition, dangerous objects, and other self-defense devices.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • The receipts included some pertinent info: date, location, and the type of gift.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • This review will be updated with any pertinent details when the current 2025 audit concludes.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Relevant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relevant. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on relevant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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