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 next

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 The company has a 36.4% level of sales exposure to the U.S. Since iPhones are produced and assembled outside of the U.S., Jefferies noted that the company’s assets exposure to the U.S. is not relevant. —

Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2025 While timeless, the film also touches on relevant subjects including the impact of climate change, though Zilbalodis says these evolved organically and were not the initial goal of the story. —

Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025 The only way a sales team can prove their value is by understanding the customer, but buyers are increasingly unwilling to engage with sales teams long enough to share this kind of relevant information. —

Ian Gross, Harvard Business Review, 13 Feb. 2025 Elmhurst University students run the festival, giving them relevant, firsthand experience and a professional edge in a highly competitive marketplace. —

Graydon Megan, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for relevant