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 For customers, the relevant comparison is not a robot’s theoretical hourly cost versus a worker’s wage. — Navin Chaddha, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026 The data firm’s proprietary MIV figure tallies the impact of relevant media placements on online, social and print, inclusive of paid, owned and earned mediums. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 Where To Start Organizations don’t need to predict the exact arrival date of a cryptographically relevant quantum computer before beginning meaningful work. — Scott Alldridge, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 That inspection is now under a full review as investigators examine evidence, equipment and relevant documents, according to the agency. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relevant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for relevant

Adjective

Tesla still needs to prove the Roadster can be manufactured reliably and meet applicable regulations.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
According to Vertical, the LCR-110 meets applicable EASA and Federal Aviation Administration technical standards for inertial reference equipment.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of applicable

Adjective

This device, powered by Apple Intelligence with Siri AI, is designed for multiple people in a household and will use facial recognition to display pertinent information.

— Darla Mercado, CFP®,Fred Imbert, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
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

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 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of relevant

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Synonyms of relevant

adjective

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