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

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 In some respects, the most pertinent question is where P & G establishes its initial guidance for fiscal year 2027. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 26 July 2026 Though none are yet in-build, Pastrovich’s concepts feel particularly pertinent today, given the highly volatile state of the oil market. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 July 2026 The marker has since been vandalized and was taken down to be restored, making the James Baldwin quote at the sign’s base all the more pertinent. — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026 That's because Title VII requires employers to keep records that could be pertinent to any discrimination investigation, and the EEOC is empowered to request them. — ABC News, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pertinent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pertinent

Adjective

Winning longer term, Ngai said, requires investing in China to stay relevant in a giant consumer market — and consequently competitive in other countries where Chinese companies are expanding.

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Abigail Witmer does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

— Abigail Witmer, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of relevant

Adjective

The approach can be especially applicable when several providers in one area use similar equipment.

— Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
In court Friday, Rothblatt said prosecutors determined Company A had paid all applicable income taxes to the IRS on time, and that any personal income taxes that had been owed by Individual B were paid up in following years.

— Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of applicable

Browse Nearby Words

pertinence

pertinent

pertinently

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“Pertinent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pertinent. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pertinent

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