PERTINENT Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'pertinent' different from other adjectives like it?

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

Q: In what contexts can 'applicable' take the place of 'pertinent'?

While the synonyms applicable and pertinent are close in meaning, 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

Q: When might 'apposite' be a better fit than 'pertinent'?

The synonyms apposite and pertinent are sometimes interchangeable, but apposite suggests a felicitous relevance. // add an apposite quotation to the definition

Q: Where would 'apropos' be a reasonable alternative to 'pertinent'?

The words apropos and pertinent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune. // the quip was apropos

Q: When can 'germane' be used instead of 'pertinent'?

Although the words germane and pertinent have much in common, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion. // a point not germane to the discussion

Q: When is 'material' a more appropriate choice than 'pertinent'?

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

Q: When would 'relevant' be a good substitute for 'pertinent'?

The words relevant and pertinent can be used in similar contexts, but relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection. // found material relevant to her case

pertinent

adjective

ˈpər-tə-nənt

Definition of pertinent

as in relevant

having to do with the matter at hand he impressed the jury with his concise, pertinent answers to the attorney's questions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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

a pertinent observation

In what contexts can applicable take the place of pertinent?

While the synonyms applicable and pertinent are close in meaning, 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 might apposite be a better fit than pertinent?

The synonyms apposite and pertinent are sometimes interchangeable, but apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.

add an apposite quotation to the definition

Where would apropos be a reasonable alternative to pertinent?

The words apropos and pertinent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.

the quip was apropos

When can germane be used instead of pertinent?

Although the words germane and pertinent have much in common, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.

a point not germane to the discussion

When is material a more appropriate choice than pertinent?

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

facts material to the investigation

When would relevant be a good substitute for pertinent?

The words relevant and pertinent 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 pertinent Mora doubled down at his bye week news conference this past Wednesday, but a number of pertinent questions, at least to Team GTW, remain curiously unanswered. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026 Congress could claw back some of its authority if committee chairs were prepared to subpoena those who refuse to testify, direct witnesses to answer pertinent questions, and pursue contempt proceedings against uncooperative witnesses. — David Wippman, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for pertinent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertinent

Adjective

These capabilities were particularly relevant during the final 103 meters (338 feet) of construction on the Shangri-La side tower.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
The reforms are designed for children and teenagers, but touch on a psychological phenomenon just as relevant to adults.

— Ashwini Nadkarni, Time, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of relevant

Adjective

Florida law imposes limits on direct contributions to state candidates but generally allows political committees to accept unlimited contributions, subject to applicable reporting and other legal requirements.

— Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026
The vaccine may also usher in a new wave of treatments for other types of cancer, though experts are debating how broadly applicable the technology could be.

— Ed Silverman, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of applicable

Browse Nearby Words

pertinence

pertinent

pertinently

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Style

“Pertinent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinent. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pertinent

adjective

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