apposite

adjective

ˈa-pə-zət How to pronounce apposite (audio)
Definition of appositenext
as in relevant
having to do with the matter at hand enriched his essay on patriotism with some very apposite quotations from famous people on the subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word apposite different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of apposite are applicable, apropos, germane, material, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

When is applicable a more appropriate choice than apposite?

Although the words applicable and apposite have much in common, 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 apropos be used instead of apposite?

In some situations, the words apropos and apposite are roughly equivalent. However, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When would germane be a good substitute for apposite?

The words germane and apposite 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

In what contexts can material take the place of apposite?

While in some cases nearly identical to apposite, material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.

facts material to the investigation

When could pertinent be used to replace apposite?

The synonyms pertinent and apposite are sometimes interchangeable, but pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

When might relevant be a better fit than apposite?

The words relevant and apposite can be used in similar contexts, but relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.

found material relevant to her case

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 apposite Diño concurred and said that budgets in the Philippines for independent films have also gone up to $1 million and going international allows filmmakers to realize their cinematic visions with apposite budgets. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Oct. 2022 According to Petrick, web3 is a particularly apposite medium for PUMA due to the strong correlation between sports and fashion and web3 culture. — Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apposite
  1. relevant
  2. applicable
Adjective
  • Hiding assets Both parties should fully disclose their income, assets, debts and other relevant financial information.
    — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • The Federal Communications Commission has already changed the programming of one of television’s last remaining relevant daytime talk shows — before even making any formal demands.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of relevant
Adjective
  • Substitutions Here’s how to substitute heavy cream for half-and-half (and vice versa) when applicable.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • These assets largely avoid current tax liability because capital gains are only triggered upon sale, a principle applicable to all crypto investors.
    — Shehan Chandrasekera, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of applicable

Browse Nearby Words

apportions
apposite
appositely
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Cite this Entry

“Apposite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apposite. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on apposite

Nglish: Translation of apposite for Spanish Speakers

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