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 next

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 But two lessons pertinent to the Syrian case emerge from Afghanistan’s recent history. —

Delaney Simon, Foreign Affairs, 2 Jan. 2025 Such a move would have repercussions with a number of international partners, such as the European Space Agency (ESA), Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) already working on pertinent Gateway hardware. —

Andrew Jones, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2025 Some have also sided with Democrats in insisting that senators must be allowed to review F.B.I. background checks and other pertinent material on the nominees before passing judgment. —

Carl Hulse, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 Instead of focusing on your company, center the newsletter on an industry vertical—along with some news and updates that are pertinent to your company. —

Jodi Amendola, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pertinent