pertain

verb

pər-ˈtān How to pronounce pertain (audio)
Definition of pertainnext
1
as in to belong
to be the property of a person or group of persons the belief that quality medical care is a right that pertains to everyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to relate
to have a relation or connection a person who is an expert in anything pertaining to the history of the American theater

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 pertain In one case, California Volunteers delayed giving federal auditors records pertaining to three grant awards for six months. — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Anyone with any relevant information pertaining to the incident is asked to contact the Bloomfield Police Department. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026 In the days leading to Ed Sheeran’s Atlanta concert, his second since the Big Controversy, questions about everything but his music prevailed over those pertaining to it. — Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 4 Oct. 2026 The changes mainly pertain to nonresident waterfowl hunting hours, reopening the fall turkey season, and changes to state park entrance and camping fees. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertain
  1. belong
  2. relate
  3. apply
  4. refer
Verb
  • In his motion to dismiss, Williams argued that after three years and three versions of the complaint, Hugo failed to clearly identify a copyright claim that belongs in federal court.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2026
  • And because the future must never belong only to those who currently hold power.
    — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of belong
Verb
  • His interview with O’Donnell relates his story—a faulty parachute, a tough crash, a long bloody hike, and survival until he was rescued by an American plane—in a genuinely moving way.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The high amount of overtime at the mental health department is related mainly to nurses working at the state’s mental health hospitals, Whiting and Connecticut Valley Hospital, which are both in Middletown.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of relate
Verb
  • The approach applies manufacturing practices to research and development, allowing engineers and machinists to modify components and processes quickly as designs evolve.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Al Hassan wants renewal to happen automatically without needing to apply.
    — Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of apply
Verb
  • Mayor Robert Harrington referred the worker conditions issue to a council committee for more discussion on what Charlotte can do within the bounds of the law.
    — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The White House did not comment on whether the administration has threatened to do so again, instead referring NPR to comments Trump made Tuesday.
    — Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of refer

Phrases Containing pertain

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Cite this Entry

“Pertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertain. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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