RELEVANT Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

relevant

adjective

ˈre-lə-vənt

Definition of relevant

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Turturro, currently starring in The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, has been in many classic films, but few remain as relevant, if not prescient, as Quiz Show. — Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 Red Line for Civil Rights sought to pull all of the relevant cases from federal dockets across the country and conduct an analysis of their status and how they were terminated. — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 That makes the finding as relevant to AI safety as to questions about AI welfare. — Shae Lake, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 The company has used AI to build more detailed profiles of shoppers and surface relevant products in search results. — Annie Palmer, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relevant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

Adjective

That comment from Tomlin, who is now an NBC Sports analyst, was pertinent Sunday afternoon, because Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones was spotted by CBS Sports cameras having a heated discussion with position coach Joe Cullen.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026
And with Halloween nearly upon us, the question of what frightening, shocking, silly, classic, or demonically camp movies to press play on again (and again) has never been more pertinent.

— Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of pertinent

Browse Nearby Words

relevancy

relevant

relevantly

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Style

“Relevant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relevant. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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