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 Twelve other experts from a cross section of relevant fields including public health, pulmonology, and critical care joined this group to think together about how to galvanize new solutions. — Katia Riddle, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026 That evolution is particularly relevant in the utility industry, where electricity demand is growing, grids need modernization and companies face mounting pressure to invest while keeping customer bills affordable. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 For medical practices and their marketing partners, this can make careful language relevant when discussing treatments, technologies, and possible outcomes. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 The general population of Iceland isn’t used to thinking of itself as strategically relevant, but that’s changing rapidly right now, according to Ragnar Hjálmarsson, a senior adviser at the Icelandic think tank Varda. — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relevant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

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relevancy

relevant

relevantly

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“Relevant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relevant. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of relevant

adjective

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