apropos 1 of 3

adjective

ˌa-prə-ˈpō How to pronounce apropos (audio)
Definition of aproposnext
as in relevant
having to do with the matter at hand the actor announced to reporters that he would regard as apropos only questions about the movie and would ignore inquiries about his love life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

apropos

2 of 3

adverb

as in by the way
by way of interjection or digression I went up to New York last weekend; apropos, have you seen your New York cousins lately?

Synonyms & Similar Words

apropos

3 of 3

preposition

as in concerning
having to do with makes a number of telling observations apropos the current political situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

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

the quip was apropos

When is applicable a more appropriate choice than apropos?

While the synonyms applicable and apropos 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

Where would apposite be a reasonable alternative to apropos?

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

add an apposite quotation to the definition

When could germane be used to replace apropos?

Although the words germane and apropos 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 it sensible to use material instead of apropos?

While in some cases nearly identical to apropos, 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 pertinent be a good substitute for apropos?

The words pertinent and apropos are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.

a pertinent observation

When might relevant be a better fit than apropos?

In some situations, the words relevant and apropos are roughly equivalent. However, 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 apropos
Adjective
If ever there was an apropos song for the most unfortunate of endings to a season that held so much promise. —oregonlive, 13 Mar. 2020 John gets all the credit for the apropos CROSS THE BORDER and I NEED SOME SPACE bonuses. —New York Times, 26 Feb. 2020 But, considering the way things unfolded for the Blazers on Thursday, his humor was also apropos. —oregonlive, 7 Feb. 2020 The group called itself Women to the Front (WTTF, an apropos acronym). —Natalie Gontcharova, refinery29.com, 30 Jan. 2020 See All Example Sentences for apropos
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apropos
  1. relevant
  2. applicable
  3. regarding
  4. incidentally
  5. about
  6. on
Adjective
  • The notes addressed such issues as peer pressure, bullying, racial tensions, academic underachievement and conflicts between students and teachers — topics that remain relevant today, especially in our social media age.
    — Carl Kurlander, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The Gophers will need to overhaul their roster again this offseason with new players but want to stay relevant by playing as many games possible while juggling the portal.
    — Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of relevant
Adjective
  • The Alien and Enemies Act is also only applicable under the conditions of war, which has not yet been declared by Congress, according to the Brennan Center.
    — Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Programs designed to meet the needs of this demographic often focus on equipping students with skills that are not just theoretical but highly applicable in the workplace.
    — Maja Zelihic, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of applicable
Preposition
  • The tragedy is still under investigation but concerns have been raised regarding congested airspace and understaffed air traffic control facilities at Reagan National.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Critics of the deal have cited concerns about the intentions of Nippon Steel regarding continuing domestic production, particularly in blast furnaces.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Definition of regarding
Adverb
  • Putting aside the many risks, there are clearly vast profits to be made in doing business with Russia, which incidentally also has the world’s fourth biggest reserves of rare earths, far bigger than Ukraine’s.
    — Matthew Chance, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The show would end, incidentally, with another famous Oscars moment: The awards were given out with 20 minutes left to broadcast, leaving the Academy to wing it.
    — Bill Wyman, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of incidentally
Preposition
  • But every day now is about defending our independence, our state, and our people.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • While critics were fairly positive about the album, audiences weren’t as enthusiastic.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of about
Preposition
  • The Puma and Formula 1 75th-anniversary collection is now available on Puma’s website and in select stores.
    — Kanika Talwar for Footwear News, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Chicago outscored the Pacers 40-21 in the frame – Indiana was the better team on the scoreboard across the other three periods.
    — Tony East, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of on

Phrases Containing apropos

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Cite this Entry

“Apropos.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apropos. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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